It would be interesting to see how the actual D-Score played out. Did the D-panel credit it only to have it blocked by the AS? Too bad someone did make a video of the judging dais for that one.
Your friend Steve*n* Butcher is the AS on HB and the D judges are ESP and COL (maybe COL persuaded ESP to do the deed because "he whose name shall not bespoken" has defunded aid to COL earlier today due to "drug wars". I know I'm not to get political but it is funny in an ironic way).
Why should they (ISR) have to be unaffiliated? They are an FIG-affiliated member in good standing without sanction. They have the right to represent their nation.
I think that Yali Shoshani had a chance to make the FX EF - she has a decent D-Score and is usually hovering in the low-8's for E-score. Sad that she might not have the opportunity to give ISR an EF spot.