What's most disappointing to me, is that these well known and already fast drivers, seems to have no problems with using these exploits. That to me tells me they have little respect for their fellow drivers. Someone wise once said: "To earn respect, you have to show respect". You may argue that they would be on the top anyway, so what's the harm in letting them use these exploits? Well, they shouldn't, as it's wrong and as I said, shows lack of respect for those that plays it fair. And it's even worse in a situation like this, when there's money involved. I have no problem with my money going to people that plays fair, but I do have a problem with it going to people that "cheat".
What should have been done from the beginning, was to enforce the rules VERY strictly, and ONLY allow the use of autoclutch. Since autoclutch is universal for all controllers, everyone can use it, as opposed to clutch axis which only are available to those with clutch pedals (G25/27), it would be the most fair way. Anyone suspected of not using autoclutch, should then be banned from the competition.
A little note about the clutch axis - it can be set to really short travels, so it engages/disengages really quick. And that together with the flappy paddles essentially makes it the same as a BC macro. Anything other than CL (clutch axis) + SH (shifter) together makes no sense, and makes it questionable if it's legit or not. Unless it's common in real cars that have flappy paddles, that they use manual clutch when they shift?
As Jason said, it should be an easy thing to fix for the devs, and I sincerely hope it will be in the next patch.