Need help after a not so great inspection

I would also love to see a picture of this. If I were in your shoes I would call the state DOT office and inform them of your situation and see if they can have an officer meet you down at the inspection station to make the final decision. I am a licensed inspector in my state and I'm more than willing to call the state for a judgement call when a customer has a complaint about something I have failed for SI, this will work both ways. But yes I would say you are being taking for a ride here.