Lost/Stolen Macbook... Was locking it the wrong choice?

I recently left my Macbook Air behind on a plane, and it appears it was taken by someone (rather than turned in to the airline). I had enabled Find My Macbook, and, a few hours after I lost it/it was taken, someone tried to use it. I received a notification - it was several hours away from my home, so I chose to Lock it instead of erasing it. I don't know why I did - panicked in the moment and thought that if I locked it, they still wouldn't be able to access or use the Macbook.
Now that I'm reading posts, it sounds like I should have erased it because I am no longer able to track it's location while it's locked. And neither Apple or I can remotely unlock it. When I look at Find My Macbook now, the "Lock" button and "Erase" buttons are completely grayed out.
I also never got asked to enter a 6 digit passcode to unlock it, nor was I given the option of putting up a message...
Advice? What can I do/should I do from here? I am hanging on to the glimmer of hope that I can still recover my computer.

Please see this article:
If your Mac is lost or stolen - Apple Support
The "Lock Your Mac" section suggests you needed to set up a passcode to perform the lock. Click the "Remotely lock your Mac" link in that area of the article for more info.
Good luck finding it!

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under UK legislation, if your are out of contract (and not owing the carrier any debts!) they are LEGALLY obliged to unlock you, and within a certain number of (few) days.. search OFCOM for the regulations.
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Hello!
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1. iOS- Forgotten passcode or device disabled after entering wrong passcode
2. iPhone, iPad, iPod touch: Wrong passcode results in red disabled screen
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4. What to Do If You've Forgotten Your iPhone's Passcode
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having problems receiving mail via iCloud.
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Lost/Stolen Macbook... Was locking it the wrong choice?

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