OK,I think one thing you have to accept in Thai and kick boxing is that unlike boxing its a very incestous business. Chances are the judges on any given show will either still be a trainer, fighter or promoter. Very few officials exist who only do that one job. In boxing you can only have one job as such, be it trainer, ref, etc.

Now if that is so chances are that one judge may have a relationship of some sort with say the trainer of one of the fighter. Its not ideal, but it's the way things are. All you can do is accept those judges will conduct themselves professionally, if not go elsewhere. But it will be the same with the next group.

Not really answered that last question but its a reality we all have to accept. I have also seen people reffing their own fighters, but would suggest that is too close a link to happen. I saw one high profile fight last year that worried me with regards to the the ref and the fighter invovled. That was stupidity really and should have been avoided, but me judging a fight involving the fighter of a friend or colleague...well I think you have to accept that or the whole system will break down. You just cannot avoid that unless we introduce a whole new 'professional' set of officials and there's not the money to do that.

Bottom line close decisions happen all the time, we have to accept as they say in other sports that the 'ref is always right'. Once we start to question that basic principal then we should pack up.