After working for Dan a few years I can only tell you what I like to see. Something easy! If you were able to get it measured before the meet have the seal where it can be seen and checked. On some pans it is hard to see.
If you have an aluminum block engine with fairly easily removable sleeves like a JP-1 or KB, I like a pan seal. My personal engine is sealed on the timing cover. I can take the head off and the pan for inspection but not get the crank out. This won't work on every engine but it is a way to do it and see the seal easily on some of them.
Seal or no seal the SCTA retains the right to inspect the record setting engine. If a person is suspected of not being truthful an engine can be torn down and "parts" inspected.
When using the pump I like to pick the cylinder. I don't know where the small one is you do......
JD