Some see the glass half full, some see it half empty. Some think playing a tournament means just participating in the tournament, some think it means the tournament must've been completed. We can get along in life even when we're not talking about the exact same meanings. But there must be clear cut definitions in competitions like these and they might not be what one personally prefers.
I agree some of the missions are a bit unclear and there are no software level definitions to be found. It is always a good bet to err on the side of the bigger player / casino / government etc. when interpreting their rules. You'll learn those triggers. Then you'll just have to remember to keep your eye on the server midnight change.