This will truly become a subjective call, but we have been dealing with many subjective calls .
Like other subjective calls that we make, I feel we all will be able to subjectively rule on this. It's for the good of our sport.
WE WON THE SUPER BOWL
..they cheated : (deflated footballs)
In reverse order; every ball used by either team in the Super Bowl passed through the hands of 2 game officials, the wing who tossed in, and the Umpire who subsequently placed it, both of whom ABSOLUTELY understand the "feel" of a defective ball. So whatever "defects" discovered after the fact raised questions are insignificant and didn't make a material difference.
The Patriots won the game because they scored more points in the allotted time. On to the 2016 season.
Contact calls have always been subjective, are subjective and will always be subjective. One size never has, never will fit all. Coaches, Administrators, fans and pundits are entitled to their opinions, even to the point of expressing them, as long as doing so respectfully and civilly to avoid unnecessary and foolish consequences.
Perceived "credibility problems" with some Coaches is an occupational hazard, and unfortunate reality. The best was to minimize, and hopefully avoid, such problems is know what you're looking for, be in the optimum position to fully observe what you're looking at and have the presence to render your decision clearly and emphatically. When asked for explanation (respectfully and civilly) being able to succinctly and directly address the question is a big help in eliminating unnecessary discussion or problematic perceptions.
By far, the most important person to understand that you made the correct call, IS YOU.