Arch, I don't know who you talked to at the AMA. But the rules are very clear that the model is DQ'd, not the pilot. Since you cannot prove that the model was illegal prior to the check, previous rounds must stay.

The rules regarding the Finals are really poorly written and open to a lot of interpretation. I can read several areas of argument. For instance, the rules say "Only one attempt at making weight will be allowed for a Finals weigh-in prior to the commencement of the Finals". Does that mean one attempt per airplane, or just one attempt? There is no limit to the amount of models that can be used in AMA, so can I keep rolling out models until one makes weight? Or if I weigh my first model and it passes, that's the only one that has to be weighed? What about back-ups? And keep in mind all these rules are under Item 4. Model Aircraft Requirements. That starts with this,

"Failure to comply with the following COULD result in disqualification of the contestant's PLANE by the Contest Director."

Mastertech has an excellent point.