I agree with you. My judge that year didn’t. OP asked specifically if playing a completely different part was ok. Change stickings to make something a rudiment? Sure, if it sounds the same as what the composer wrote. Completely changing the snare part because what he plays ‘sounds better’? Not at UIL. Now when the Diet Dr Pepper club might be out for blood.

Change it up and make it groove at the spring concert. At UIL, read from the book, because the test is 60% can you read from the textbook, 30% can you make that reading sound nice, and 10% did the judge agree with your interpretation.