
Quoting
Mr. Knowitall
You would have to investigate local policies. It is standard practice for a jury to have to continue to the end of the trial when the trial starts within their period of service. As the court looked at your summons before dismissing you, I expect that the issue was that the trial would not start until after your period ended, with that being a material distinction in your jurisdiction.
If you never see the inside of a courtroom, it has nothing to do with jury selection. A defendant is expected to be present in court on all trial dates, including the date of jury selection.
Yes, of course, lawyers want to try to find jurors who will be receptive to their arguments. The type of prejudice that may cause you to be pro-prosecution or pro-defense is not necessarily (and usually is not) the type of prejudice that would warrant removal for cause.