Conference rules, culture, etc... are indeed unique and different from many other organizations. Some of them I like, some I don't, some frankly do seem contradictory and silly, but they are what they are. They're set up by volunteers, with the best intentions, with the objective being trying to bring order to chaos.
Having worked for a large metropolitan public safety agency long enough to know the difference, Conference races are run with an incredible smoothness compared to what could happen.
Being involved in Conference on a level that includes attendance more than once every few years, I still try to discover the rationale behind whatever rules look silly at first glance, before being too critical.
I'll give people that have complaints the benefit of the doubt that maybe their underwear was too tight, but will always come down on the side of my fellow volunteers before giving any validation to those that would make personal attacks.
I don't find snarky little stories to be too funny when they include derogatory references to people I respect. No thank you very much.