Inspectors that demanded that ground lug be directly connected to ground rod

[mivey]

Tom,

I don't think there's a question about whether the ground rod should be present. The OP starts off with a ground rod present.

Rather, the OP is reporting incidents of two different AHJs requiring the ground rod, itself, to be inserted into, and tightened down in, the ground bar lug of the pedestal.

I would be curious as all get out to hear the explanation. What could possibly be going through their mind? As wrong as it is, it might be an interesting perspective.