I think HNers might be working from an ingrained assumption that failing to pass a maths test is a terrible, terrible outcome. In court, the terrible outcome is

I think HNers might be working from an ingrained assumption that failing to pass a maths test is a terrible, terrible outcome. In court, the terrible outcome is losing your client's case. Given the choice between admitting the error and looking like an idiot, it's very possible he did the right thing.