I don't remember any rules being changed. I remember, not all players showed up when they were supposed to and had to use subs in place.
It was a little confusing I guess, but 12 noon Pacific time was clearly stated... and some were not going to show up until late that evening. Time zones are fairly easy to figure out.
If and when we have another tourney like this, I hope we work the bugs out and everyone involved will check their time according.
Of course, winning is always fun, but if you lose, either by score, forfeit or whatever, no one else is to blame... Buck up... it's for "fun"!