I've found they will follow "the most correct" rules. So if you present them with valid rules that seem more correct, they will follow them.

I had a similar case in SYD where the lounge attendant would not allow me into the SKL with just a UA F BP for SYD-LAX. I needed to show a *G card. I insisted that the F BP was enough. He called and checked with his supervisor (while I sat in the F side sipping champagne! ) and then came and apologized. He said "I saw *G on your BP, so I assumed you must have been using that to get in." I told him I have *G cards, but I shouldn't need to show them, he agreed, but asked if he could see one anyway. I showed him three valid *G cards, one being PPS and he apologized a LOT more.