I didn't do the Scotton but I'd heard enough stories of previous years to know that there were many, many options in terms of equipment and that weather would probably have a big impact. Would ordinary road tyres have been okay if it had been dry? Probably. From reports it was very cold out there this year and some people nearly keeled over while fixing punctures. Should the organisers insist riders wrap up warm? It could have been 15c, given our weird weather these days.
It was clearly a pretty grim day for some, but I don't think the organiser should have been more prescriptive. One of the reasons I've never done Scotton is I've only got a road bike, so I know from the event info that I've not got the right kit - maybe I'm just naturally pessimistic but I don't need Dave banning my tyres to make it clear I shouldn't do it!
I hope everyone's dried out and got the feeling back in their extremities; perhaps after a couple of years of benign weather for the Reliability, Clifton was just due a stinker of a day for something.