IMP pairs; Table Result 1NTx-7 EW+2000; Lead 5♣
SB was unhappy at this hand from a North London club on Tuesday. East-West, the Chimp and the Toucan, were playing modified EHAA with a 12-14 NT and 4 weak twos which were 4-card suits or longer with 0-8, so that all hands below 9 points opened the bidding, and they announced this gleefully as they arrived. SB opened a 14-16 NT and the Chimp doubled, bouncing up and down in his chair with obvious pleasure. This was passed out, as East had no LA to Pass despite the UI, and SB did not make any tricks as 6 rounds of clubs decimated his hand. SB had a recovery plan mapped out, however. "I think there was a failure to alert an artificial call", he claimed. "Director, please", he bellowed. "How can I help?" asked Oscar the Owl, the TD on the evening.
"Well," began SB. "The laws specify that 'a pass which promises more than a specified amount of strength' is an artificial call and therefore alertable, and the new laws confirm that. East's pass showed 9-11 without a suitable hand for a one level opener, and was therefore artificial". If it had been alerted, then 1NT would have been too risky, and I would have downgraded the hand to 1D. E-W would have made 3NT+4, which I submit is the normal result." "Also the EW method with Pass showing values is a HUM, which is not permitted at this club, and we should get Ave+ anyway".
How would you rule?