I think we need to quit putting 100% blame(or any) on the USGA. They did not make this head, and the rules were all in place, and written in very plain English for all to read prior to submission. Any questions before submitting should have been asked! Even a hack would have noticed that soleplate being different from 1 loft to the others.
We've seen the way TGC can screw up a simple golf forum, why do we think they'd be able to handle manufacturing/marketing of a golf club.....esp. a driver. I, for one, will not hold Wilson responsible for this fiasco. I'm thinking TGC went in search of a club company in order to make a 'reality' show, like all other channels have. They just caught a hungry stray dog, at the right time.
Not surprised at the outcome given who some of the judges were. But what I am baffled by is how this got past Frank Thomas! I would have expected him to check every minor detail personally, even if it was just in a judge's capacity. Obviously, they did not have all models/lofts available to check.