Baked,
I was standing there also, and I didn't look at it as disrespect for Jeff (even though he kicks butt at the FCR enduro, every year).
I looked at it in the fact that of 130 riders, only 40 or so were able to finish because of the conditions. And Jeff was the best finisher. He played the game, didn't take the shortcut (that may result in the last FCR enduro, by the way) and didn't complain about anything at the finish.
The guy who handed out the trophies has known Jeff for years and has nothing but respect for him. He was also the guy who took Jeff's card at the last check, and thanked him for staying on the trail.
I don't know a better way that Phil could have worded it that would have given more respect, without sounding phony or sarcastic....
Jeff kicked butt, as usual.
Now, as far as Watts, it could be a game he's playing with the competition (I doubt it), burnout, or personal problems.
He's a big boy, and is able to deal with the situation. If he quits, fakes out the competition, or comes back and kicks butt, it's only up to him...
I think we all wish we could help..