You are correct, MOC orders are guaranteed on NYSE indeed: https://www.nyse.com/article/nyse-closing-auction-insiders-guide Not guaranteed on ARCA though, see example 2 at https://www.nyse.com/markets/nyse-arca/trading-info#closing
I believe if you somehow missed the deadline it will still fulfill the MOC (if there are takers) but not guaranteed at the official cross. Experienced that many years back but never ever since then.