I think the point they were trying to prove is that 'self-identification' is not a very good way of running this sort of event and all the things you've said about testing and hormone levels are a better and more appropriate system.

I don't want to put words into his mouth - but I think that was what he was trying to suggest. 'Self-identification' is controversial, perhaps not for every day life in most instances but certainly in certain places and at certain critical junctures, because it allows sociopathic men an optional disguise. Self-identification does allow someone to decide 'I'm just a woman today" without the additional information "but if it suits me better then I won't be one tomorrow" - an opt-in/out system not available to Trans-women.