I’m not sure anyone is knit picking things here, especially NPT and NPSM or rigid fittings and their listed applications etc...
I will say though, that IMO, the installation the OP described is in compliance with the ’08 NEC as it is written in black and white. The EC has met the requirements of the NEC regardless as to whether the inspector likes it on not... it is what I call, for lack of a better expression, a “shut up and sign” situation.
