5.a says devices with construction violations won't be allowed to launch until brought into spec. 7.f says in bold text that devices with unfixed constructions violations may be permitted to compete but be tiered. Is 7.f correct, 5.a incorrect?

Both are correct to allow Event Supervisors to exercise their judgement regarding the construction violation. For example, if the construction violation creates a safety issue at launch that can not be corrected then the there can be no launch. However, if the construction violation occurs because the device was built slightly oversized and can not be brought within spec the Event Supervisor can allow the launch since their is no safety issue but the team will be tiered because of their violation.