Karl, Matt, I would like to retract my last sentence. I was assuming USCG meant you'd be face-up, based on my reading of another post here. I've just proven (again) why assuming is such a bad idea.
I'm really more in line with what John just said. I don't care what the final decision is. And, I would never protest anyone over a PFD issue (unless as a PRO, forced by the rule regading a measurer's report, etc.).
However, I stand by what I said earlier. Unless/until the rules are changed, your best option is to follow the rules that are in place at this time. Nothing is stopping anyone from owning a USCG PFD and complying with the rules without any further issue.
And, if you're at any sort of major event, especially where you don't know all of the players, you should expect equipment protests. Part of the game...
