I don't think they declared anything "unacceptable". Just because they chose another boat, doesn't mean they look at the 16 as unacceptable. I've been watching this whole thing with great interest and I am not supprised at all the remarks from the H16 guys. I don't think the N20 guys got this insulted when the N20 was not the boat of choice for the 2003 Worrell 1000.
My first cat was a H16, they still have a special place in my heart. Would you like a kleenex?