Does it really make a difference whether the bag is 4" long, or 14" long? Look at the NEO. When you place a 3" wide forearm on the bag and add the 1/2" thickness on each side (side bags) you have 4". If you have a 4" stock sitting there , you now have 5". The difference is the modern NEO rest. It's adjustable. The bottom portion of the bag is more than 4" long. The side bags meet the 1/2" rule. Clearly, to the naked eye, a 3" wide stock sitting on the bag that complies with the 1/2" side rule is at least 4" long. A ruler and calculator isn't necessary. Looking at the old rules, a single front bag is referenced. At no time does it state the bag has to be one piece. The NEO and MAX with the 3 piece configuration is a single bag made up of 3 pieces. It is, never less, a single bag that complies with the rules. There isn't another bag in front of it, nor behind it. The SEB rests offer the competitor the convenience to adjust the bag for different width stocks. No more… no less. I can tighten the side screws on any rest that I have, and trap the stock, but I don't. Why would anyone want to trap the stock anyway? You certainly don't gain an advantage by not allowing the rifle to recoil!
I don't think that is completely true i have front bags made up with 1/2" ears and i can tighten the side plates as much as i can and it will not trap or pick up the rest at 22lb. jim