I guess it really comes down to what is in the rules - if these do in fact specifically ban the type of processing he has done then fair enough. It's just a shame that it was identified so late. However, what is too much manipulation? Bear in mind this is a monotone image, so just to achieve that already involves some major transformations of the original image. I dont think anyone would object to a mono conversion. Beyond that, if he has done any major work, it has been done very well as it is hard to spot anything that couldnt be done with 'standard' techniques of dodging, burning etc.
I rather like the image - certainly more than the new winner, though that does also have appeal.
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