Reasonable people can come to very different logical and supportable conclusions when reading and applying very complicated rules. Several of these cars raced in this configuration and were torn down and ruled compliant at multiple Runoffs. This particular issue was probably not raised during those inspections, but a competitor could easily conclude that the plunge cut method being used was acceptable. This instant case now says it was not. However . . .
The fact that the Court of Appeals moved the non-compliant cars to last finishing position in class rather than disqualified speaks volumes regarding how the infraction was gauged. The COA has always taken a strict posture when applying the GCR and, thus I suspect, concluded the cars were technically, but not willfully non-compliant (my personal reading of the ruling). I believe SCCA is working right now to address the situation and decide what is best for the long term health of the class and club. But, whichever way we go, there will be a sizeable group not happy with the decision.
Would have been nice if this issue had been raised earlier in the season at a Majors or big regional event, then it could have been resolved before our biggest event. Regrettably it was not, so now we have pandemonium, lots of angst, hurt feelings, and embarrassment. How about we just go racing to finish this season and have a little fun. I'll probably run mine as STL under ITA rules.