oops. it was 4. going back and forth between windows, and saw that, just forgot to change it when I finally posted.
I'm gonna say yes to your question, although I fear it may be bait...
The NEBS rules are continually being scrutinized, because NEBS wants to be fair, not only to competitors, but also to organizers and everyone else involved.
(bit of explanatory history...for those who don't know)
For the longest time New England seemed to be the only place where grilling comps existed. There was nothing set in stone, and when grilling comps were announced, the sheer number of questions from competitors was enough to make an organizer wonder why they even tried. For this reason the grilling rules were developed so that any event that was billed as a 'NEBS event' would hold some sort of predictability and structure for the teams entering it. They would know basically what to expect when they signed up, instead of having things defined at the cook's meeting, and thereby causing teams to run to the store when the answer was not what they thought going in.
There were serious issues when NEBS 'published' the rules, which have continued. even to this year. But, that is another long, involved story which doesn't belong on Brian's thread. (but I would be happy to explain to anyone that wants to know)
Getting back...
In order to fully support an event, new ones especially, there is a need for cook's packets to come in early... for everyone's benefit.
On the other hand, events that have been around for years, usually they don't have critical issues anymore.
Still, the ability to 'fully support' events that DON'T get their packets in early diminishes drastically with every passing day. We can't get the word out, teams/judges, etc. don't KNOW, and therefore can't plan.
The '60 days' is still being debated within the BoD/committee.
All of that being said, this is a relatively new slope for NEBS. Not the grilling contests themselves (Snowshoe is in it's 17th year), but hard and fast rules. There is going to be some ironing needed, but looking at the big picture, these rules are working.
So, I believe I answered your question, although rather long-winded-ly.