[dtengineering]

On the specific topic of the compressor head, I think Al's comments are very specific and really don't leave much room for debate... but I think Gary's bigger point, about the relevance of old Q&A responses is still open.

In the absence of a guide from the GDC (in the form of a Q&A response) in regard to the interpretation of the current year's rule, it would be UP TO THE LEAD TECH INSPECTOR to interpret the rule (for tech inspection related rules... the head referee at the event would interpret game rules).

So I agree that a previous year's Q&A is not binding upon teams or inspectors. However that does not mean that it is irrelevant. It should form part of the body of data and experience upon which, in the absence of a current year's Q&A response to guide rule interpretation, an LTI would base their interpretation of a rule.

The interpretation of the LTI at an event will then be binding upon all teams at the event. It is possible -- although unlikely -- that in the absence of a Q&A, that two different LTIs at two different events could make two different interpretations. They would both be correct, and their interpretations binding at their event, although in this case it would make sense to refer the question to the Q&A for official interpretation for future events.

That is my understanding of the correct procedure and precedents.

Jason