The case rejects consideration of how competently the crew maneuvered. 
Thus the competence determination does not change with the competition level. 

@Lars - having done a number of WASZP events, I found the RRS 42 rules easy to see and enforce.

40 seconds is an eternity to sailboats going 4kts. In cars and on bikes, we make split-second decisions all the time.
Also, 10kts is the kind of breeze where turning is easier, boat speed is relatively consistent, there's no panic because it's not yet windy, and it's not so light that you're going to lose steerage.
Lastly, a IMO a starboard boat cannot reasonably protest in a situation like this without being within a percentage of a boat length. Maybe it's 1/2 boatlength in big swell or swirling conditions, but it's probably 1/8th boatlength or less in champagne conditions IMO.

IMO, 10 seconds is plenty of time in most boats, and I might even argue 3-5 seconds is more reasonable in many boats. In bigger boats, the complexity grows, (as do the targets) but the boat must be crewed reasonably well, including being prepared for evasive maneuvers in a close situation.

As Calum notes, communication from both sides would be preferred here (even though it is not required). A hail of "Starboard" at 40-80 meters is useful. A hail of "I see you" at 30-70 meters (or in response) is also useful for assuaging the fears of the starboard boat.

The world sailing judges manual changes on improper act or ommission in each version, each seeming giving judges more room for interpretation. Just track the change next time, it may be what gordon and i may expect.
The old bad race management hidden behind the word may not shall,, may not be tolerated.
A time of change perhaps! I believe for the better if we are to improve standards and improve the sport.

To me once a boat had done a 44.2 set of turns, they have not initially finished and there can be no other score but the last finish.

Other rule breaches are something else which really should be protested by boats.

There is no reason for a rc to act if they score the finish after the turns.