"I would come across as some pompus, in-experienced hot shot, questioning seasoned veterans (a no no on our board when working with certain vets). "
This is total crap...if you are not going to work as a crew than I don't want to work with them. I would have come off at a pompus a$$ and questioned them big time. Call the DARN foul.
Just because you are a seasoned veteran official doesn't mean you are any good or don't make mistakes...I am pissed for you.