Ah, see you hadn't spoken of that within this entry. Sadly, just because you've given them your word that it would be changed, as a former mod myself, I'd have done the same thing they had. Unless they allow holds within their game, then I feel he should have been placed on hold.
However, after looking at the application page, if you are indeed the last application upon that list. Then it looks as though you and another John~ applied at the same time. I'd have done the same thing they had then, and accepted the John who had followed what the rules stated.