Was anyone completely denied starting because of the bar ends/plug issue? Good to see the officiant do what he thought was right; too bad it stressed some folks out. Anyway, I found another portion of USA-C rulebook related to the bar ends:
(g) . . . . . Handlebars for massed-start bicycles may not have forearm supports nor handlebar extensions or attachments that point forward.

NOW that the Director chimed in, I need to file a complaint. Per Fatbike results, I was entrant #276 "Unknown Runner". Other rules I found that were not enforced, and while I'm not gonna name names, involved Fatbike entrant #272:
3.14P - Any entrant engaging in top-tube surfing during the course of race events will be levied a 300 yard penalty lap loop for each infraction; penalties are to be completed prior to advancing across the finish line.
5.678TP - All entrants that commit assault upon fellow participants, such as kicking the rider, kicking the rider's handlebars or other harm, shall be levied a 300 yard penalty lap loop for each infraction. If the perpetrator committed the assault upon a fellow mountain bike club member, fellow fatbiker, fellow stomper, then the perpetrator shall be immediately and forthwith DisQualified (DQd for short).
9.131313FU - Persons that have ever utilized alias' such as "dirt; Dirt; Durty Grrrrrrllll" shall be denied entry into race events and shall be immediately escorted from the premises of USA-C activities, never allowed to return, banished forever henceforth. Liberal interpretation of this rule is not allowed; persons using alias' such as Dirtboy, Crud, Krud, K-Rud are acceptable and are encouraged to enter and shall be permitted to participate.