Unfortunately, Jared, that is a VERY subjective call. "Neat and clean" is as about nebulous a rule as you can get, and it's up to the tech inspector's discretion. Unfortunately, all tech inspectors are different.

Hell, if you want to see an extreme example, check out Joe DiMinno's car from 2006-2007; that thing was such a pig even *HE* replaced the whole car over last winter (then proceeded to wreck it again...sigh...)

You're doing the right thing by using the protest/appeals process. From this point forward you'll just need to see if someone higher-up can over ride the local guy. Otherwise you're probably screwed... - GA