See, I DON'T have a problem with this.
The organizers set a clear price. It was communicated. The potential officials could then make a decision.
Granted the organizers are being foolish, but that's a topic for a completely different thread -- what are reasonable rates for officials (potentially of various levels and in different environments). That's not the same at all as saying X and meaning Y, which is what this thread is attempting highlight and educate about.
-B



