Favorable and Unfavorable Conditions

While playing a session of D&D recently I disagreed with a DM ruling concerning cover when using a reach weapon. At the time I made a note to myself to speak with the DM after the game. I did this for 2 reasons.

1. Even though I knew the DM was wrong, the impact upon the combat was minimal at best.
2. I wished to respect all of my fellow players by not creating a stoppage in play to discuss rules with the DM. Game time should not be used to argue rules, unless it's a huge situation, like avoiding a death or TPK.

The following day I sent an email to the DM and addressed the situation with the DM in a polite manner. After all no one likes to be told they are wrong, especially DMs. I know I'm a DM.

After a reply from the DM it became clear to me that there is a clear contradiction in the rules pertaining to reach weapons and soft cover. It's clearly portrayed on P. 150-151 of the PHB and the PHB Errata. Subsequently I decided that since there was a contradiction both view points were equally valid.

In order to come to a conclusion I decided that additional information was require. Now in case you don't already know, I'm not a rules lawyer by trade and the last thing I wish to do is spend time searching the Great Waste of Time for pearls of wisdom.

However it seems that I was rewarded by my efforts when I found this passage

Simply stated it says that soft cover applies to reach weapons. Consequently I was wrong, I sure am glad I didn't waste everyone's time just to prove I was right...