I think the main reason they were penalised this time is that a team actually 'messed with' or ' altered' what the organisers had laid out.Other times, such as airport tickets, it was up to the staff to decide, not the teams, but this time, the teams physically altered the race.
I live in Singapore and have done the Phuket Triathlon a few times. Let me tell you a flat tire in that heat makes a difference.
Like I said i think in this case teams that play fair like Mel and Mike should be given another chance.