Kraken wrote:Given that the gate was wide open, you could argue the map was effectively wrong at the time of the race as there was no barrier on the ground
No, I'm sorry, this won't wash. A forbidden route does not need a barrier on the ground.
People using this route have saved time by taking a forbidden route, and under the present rules, need to be disqualified. They should own up and disqualify themselves, or the organiser or controller should do it for them.
But for great good fortune, I would have been disqualified in two races this year. My good fortune was that in each case passing through open gates which were mapped as not-to-be-crossed cost me time rather than saving it. Consequently the officials were able to take the view that I need not be disqualified and my time should stand (although my mistakes cost me places in each race).
Disqualification is a draconian penalty for a mistake, but it is the only one we have under present rules. I do think a time penalty would be more appropriate for those who own up to having accidentally transgressed. Defining the actual amount of the penalty would be challenging, but I'm sure the combined brains of Nopesport could come up with an acceptable solution.
But under present rules, disqualification (or voluntary withdrawal) is the only option. People who took an illegal shortcut have failed to complete the course. If they are not disqualified, I shall be appealing against my disqualification at Lossiemouth for missing out a control. When you realise how absurd it would be for me to succeed with such an appeal, you should also realise how absurd it would be for the times of those taking an inadvertent but illegal shortcut to stand unaltered.