I agree, and was thinking about a clarification submission. This was my first match outside of my local club. It was the first outdoor match i'd shot in 30 years!!! What a blast! Great club, great guys and great facility! Immediately after our discussion I thought that this is something I should remember and ask the SO or MD before shooting the stage. I am by no means knocking the rulebook and totally understand that somethings are open to club interpretation... I was more than willing to accept the PE, but after we discussed it the SO decided to lift it.
Jim, your first sentence is exactly how I understand it. Apparently our local club guys see it that way too, as I have never been called on it before.