agchawk, i agree with you. verify your target, know the rules and you will never be in trouble...
Problem is with past and current rules and interpretation of the rule. When i started hunting in the late 80's early 90's it was a branch originating on the upper half of the main beam or any bull. And i think people are reading the regs but they are still thinking main beam when it states nothing about main beam anymore. I think the Officers did the right thing, glad they let it go on this one.
I was thinking the same thing as far as folks confusing the "old" spike rules with the newer ones. I agree, they read one thing but in their mind(s) they are thinking of something different. That's whay I comb through the rules thoroughly before each season!!!