Mike,
Yes... I am re reading those parts of the rules this AM.

So what is this Inquiry mechanism.... it's not a protest and is that in the rules someplace

Second question
rule 78.3 is found under entry and qualification.
Does that constrain the IJ 's scope of decisions on equipment protests in time because of the section. The RC seems to imply that this timing factor is a reason to do nothing.

Is a competitor who is making an equipment protest (not inquiry) going to be held to a different or same standard then the RC protest? IE... I discover on the last day that the guys ahead of me are in technical violation of some equipment rule. Did my window of opportunity also close because of the Entry and Qualification section.

I don't get the timing issue... For instance, The Pan Am Games Hobie 16 protest on the next to last day was raised by a competitor and upheld with the sailors being tossed.

What is the difference? Just the judgment of the IJ as to the practical effect of the violation?