To start as bens roof, you would firstly, have to know where the legit start to bens roof is as the holds are not at all obvious (out of intrest, what are the official starting holds, I have never really known).
However, in a low cave, where there are many points for a sit start which one does one choose for a logical sit start.
Ben's Roof is the original problem through that section of rock, and that start is down on the right. Why?
is it permissible to add 2 moves and then claim a first ascent?
We wouldn't want to end up with a position like in Hollow Mountain cave where you can pretty much start anywhere, climb any direction, and finish anywhere then take the V-grade for what you did and have a problem (clearly I have exaggerated this slightly but you get my point).
historically respectful
This is a sport
What Rich is saying, I think, is that this boulder problem is 8A+ regardless where you start (Rich or James' start)
Often on the internet it's hard to judge the tone of peoples responses because a 50 word missive just doesn't contain the nuances that proper conversation does. I'm sure if James and Rich were having this discussion in the pub then there would be no bad feelings stirred up at all...
What Rich is saying, I think, is that this boulder problem is 8A+ regardless where you start (Rich or James' start) but the start from Ben's Roof will be harder again and a good thing to climb.