Follow the rulebook or make it right?

[pizanno]

Shouldn't let the records of the teams affect your judgement on this one.

If you agreed that the clock started late, I would have kept it at 8. From what you described. AT LEAST 8 seconds should have elapsed.

I would also not let a home team benefit from their scorer's mistake. I've told visiting coaches "I will not let you get screwed by a home team table's mistakes" and give them the benefit of a few more seconds.

I've told home team coaches "you have a legitimate beef, but it's with YOUR scorer, not me". More than likely, the scorer will get an earful from the coach, and not make that mistake again.

Tough situation, but sounds like you handled it properly!