[blml] "Demonstrably" - practical meaning?

[Gampas at aol.com]

In a message dated 09/05/2008 19:41:45 GMT Standard Time,  
Guthrie at NTLworld.com writes:
 
[Nige1]
Paul seems to believe that dissent over what is "demonstrably  suggested" 
means that the director should rule "no infraction".

I  feel that a majority verdict should be sufficient. IMO, the law-book 
should  state that clearly.
 
[paul lamford] If the auction goes 1H -3H -4NT-5C-...5H then bidding on is  
*demonstrably* suggested by the hesitation. A BIT, followed by a pass, or even  
less commonly followed by a bid, shows that the hesitator was considering  
another action. A flexible bid can also be *demonstrably* suggested if it caters 
 for the majority of these possible actions. For example 1H - (1S ) - 3H - 
(3S) -  ...Pass - (Pass). Now partner could have been thinking of doubling or 
bidding  4H, so the bid that is *demonstrably* suggested is double which shows 
extra  offence and extra defence by a pre-emptor and illegally caters for both 
reasons  for partner's hesitation, as he will bid 4H with the right hand.
 
The panel in our example were not only split as to what bid to make, but  
they were also split as to what bid was *demonstrably* suggested. I am happy  
with a majority decision on whether an action is 70% or whatever percentage we  
decide the new criteria require, but if a bid is to be deemed *demonstrably*  
suggested we surely need close to unanimity that it is suggested, or  why 
bother with the word *demonstrably* at all?