I think the PCB is fine, since we allow circuit boards anyway in general (drivers, MCPCBs). Bonus points of course for those who have etched their own.
Switch boots are just generic enough that I’d say they should stay okay. I did also use one on a previous light. After all, I can find rubber switch boots on random aliexpress stores, not just flashlight stores.
I of course yield to judges decisions, but I recommend at this point in this year’s contest that we allow precedent to remain. If people want to change it for next year, I don’t care.
Disclaimer: I am not entered in a category that would be affected by the ruling, but I am competing (just, in modified light category, where they’re obviously fine).
I’ll have to take a look at the building threads to check what was done this year
In any case, and in advance, congrats to the contestants, and thanks to the organizers and judges of this year’s contest