All an asterisk means is that people will always question what would have happened if an outside even didn't impact the competition. You'll notice those are the constants. I don't complain about the 99 series because the Spurs won it and we didn't, I complain because rich crybabies cut the season (and I haven't paid nor attended a game since, nor bought any gear). Any asterisk I see is on the season as a whole, not on the spurs, and rightfully so.
I didn't complain because the Pats won it and we didn't. In fact, I hate the faders even more. I complained because it was a bull**** rule that impacted the game in a way outside forces should not, just like this rule and it's interpretation.
If you put an asterisk next to the pats championship because you're bitter it wasn't us, you go right ahead. I know it's easier to take the simplistic approach to viewing things, but a little thoughtful interpretation doesn't hurt. Right, sternie and stueypoops?