Actually it IS the worst year for it. Rear wheel doesn't affect handling and the super deep wheel will get more lift if the crosswinds are stronger.

I wonder what will come of this:
- other brands will make 180mm wheels for their athletes
- athletes run the HED unbranded

- brands keep adding depth until IM sets a limit. 190mm? 200mm?
- IM decides to allow disc wheels since the ban is pointless if we allow these wheels

This is 100% correct! About 15 years ago or more Blackwell Research made a limited run of a similar 180mm wheel. If safety really is a concern, then organizers should set a max dept for a front wheel of no greater than 45% surface area or, to be even more transparent, no deeper than 60mm. This won't happen, though.

Kona is 180km so 190mm or 200mm wouldn't make any sense marketing wise

If M-Dot really wants to bring in the $$$, they should only allow IRONMAN-branded wheels at championship events.

Give them time!

Brilliant! But how about a 226mm? With a flange of (say) 35mm that'd still leave room for the spokes to be showing and a little light weeping through, past the 25t sprocket's teeth (50mm). 311mm radius (to rim edge).

I, for one, wouldn't mind more rules for Ironman/long distance triathlon and less options to choose from.

There are a lot of things in Triathlon that make it expensive and elitist. Disc wheels are one of them.
Being able to choose between a disc wheel and a deep dish gives a serious advantage to anyone willing to spend 2k for something that you are going to use a couple of times a year. And we've got plenty of those gadgets and upgrades. In triathlon a lot of speed can be bought if you are willing to pay for it.

It's nice that triathlon is not constrained by UCI rules and we can have superbikes but I do appreciate the simplicity of road bikes in UCI events.
An entry level road bike with Shimano Sora doesn't have a big disadvantage versus the most expensive road bike out there. Even a used vintage bike would make you competitive vs the latest aerodynamic, hidden cables, wireless shifting road bike.

~$100 for a Wheebuilder cover, or just a few $ and an afternoon for a DIY cover...

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"I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10, and I don't know why!"

Still a lot more expensive than not needing to buy it because it's not allowed. Also, time is money. More time on DIY, less time training.

Unless you're training 24/7 that doesn't make sense.

I'm wondering if the Hed 180 is the most versatile option for race day, if you want a rear wheel that in theory is "always" legal, and as close to a disc as possible. Anybody done any wind tunnel on this yet?