[Brian Allgar]

I agree that Lucy's phrasing could be considered ambiguous. I read it as meaning that, in addition to the named honourable mentions (of which there are usually several), a number of other entrants were disqualified for "not meeting the brief". But I could be wrong.

[Roger Slater]

Yeah, I see the ambiguity. But John's intro viewed us as disqualified, so I was predisposed to see it his way.

[John Whitworth]

I'd rather be disqualified (for biting even) than also-ran. So perhaps I read something into the material.

[Brian Allgar]

John, I think I'd rather be also-ran than put down by the vet at the starting-post.