there is NEVER an excuse to remove a flag... a flag is the ultimate clear and is required in all decent competitions... a flag is only removed to go hot... flags are required at real ranges,,,so the ro can scan the line,,,see every station is flagged,,,and call the range clear... a benched gun dont tell anything about clear...And removing the flag I had in my HP carbine? I guess I can understand if you have a rule against using one, but again you should IMO ask the owner to remove it.
As far as my buddy's NEW 10/22 being practicly dropped back onto the bench scratching the stock, wouldn't it just be better for the RO to ask the OWNER to show him/her the firearm is unloaded? What would be the management's explaination AND response if somehow a REALLY REALLY expensive, or "precious" as you call it, firearm was dinged, scratched, or otherwise damaged by careless handling like my buddys 10/22 was? Or would the response be (taking from your tone) Damn.... sucks to be you!