I think you may have hit on an important distinction, Zed.

Is it not that "was meant" is used when the expectations of a third party have been disappointed, whilst if your *own expectations have not been met, you just say "meant?"


"I meant to go to the shops, but was too interested in AWADtalk to leave it."

"I was meant to go to the shops,[by my parent, spouse, sibling or child, for instance] but forgot, and will have to think up a good excuse."