Hmm, I think if the management give u a chance to try out different scope of work, you could have see it in a optimistic way and take the chance to learn as you have mentioned they are moving and cutting existing jobs.

It could be a way of so called retraining you to value add to the company.

From what you describe, it seems that you portrayed a negative image to them

In this bad economy, I believe most of us are not paid extra money to do tasks outside our scope of work. I believe that there some ppl out there doing 2 person job scope for a pay cheque.

The mentality of sticking to a definite job scope only exist in jobs 20 years ago.

No offence to you, the above is just my own opinion.