--jander14indoor and Balsa Man, you both have extremely valid points in that SO is a separate "world," and that "real world" applications do not apply here. Sometimes they are good to use as examples (like in Towers, we built our first-ever tower like an oil derrick {extremely heavy, but it held} because oil derricks are very strong), but examples should not be used to interpret the rules. It sounds to me like I have had VERY bad experiences with judging...because I haven't even told you some of the other really bad situations I've come up against, in both Jr & Sr.
But, it is a learning experience. I'll definitely keep in mind that SO is in essence, another world, and like in virtual worlds, other cultures, etc, the rules of those worlds/cultures apply, and rules of other cultures/worlds don't work in those enviroments, because they weren't "made to fit." This competition is based on "letter of the law" NOT "spirit of the law." The rules are the rules...no exceptions.
It really is unfortunate that there is so much "interpretation" in this competition...but I guess it's all part of "free speech" and "freedom of thought" that we are privileged with here in America. It's not bad in itself, it just needs to be balanced.
Back to the tower...unfortunately...my tower was an epic fail. It was heavy (in comparison to the other competitors) and only held 13.53Kg before snapping (tear). I have absolutely no idea why it broke...so while I pray for an opportunity to go to state and try again (doubtful), I will be talking with a few city engineers about designs and have them watch the video of my tower. (I always video...if you are able to video, I would suggest it...you can learn a lot by watching where your tower broke.) Usually, I have an educated guess on why it broke...no clue this time.
We had a different judge, who did a very good job, and knew his rule book. No issues what-so-ever. Many thanks goes out to him!
Thank you all for your opinions. Next time I will try and avoid asking for clarifications here...sounds like I stepped (or typed) on a few toes. That was never my intention. I was upset at the time about the unfairness of the situation, and came here for help. I now know who to talk to and what to do if another situation like this comes up. Unfortunately, often it's the courage to oppose the event supervisor (judge) that I lack. As my mom said, "You probably only jumped in so quick at the Jr. Competition because it was your sister, and your instinct is to defend her. When it's just you...well, it's just different." Anyone else have that problem?
Good luck to everyone! -just4qs