Rules don't change until there is an issue or someone has the courage to do what is best and in this case it was what was best for the student. If they had followed the "flawed" policy, the student would have missed performing with her showcase group and no one would care the less. Regions would not be sending in proposals and no one would be advocating for a change. Get real folks...yes policy was broken, so punish the directors and not the school. TMEA punished the school and I bet they have no intention of changing the policy.
Let's just wait and see if they are willing to change it after it is sent to them from several regions. My bet is they will not change it!