Dear CodeChef Community,
I recently received an email stating that my submissions in Starters 178 (Rated) were flagged for similarity with other users’ solutions, leading to disqualification and a rating drop. I strongly believe this decision is unfair, as I wrote my solution independently without sharing or receiving help.
While approaching the problem, I initially considered iterative methods but found them inefficient. After analyzing the constraints, I settled on a recursive approach. Through testing, I first observed that n >= 104 will work without TLE, but later refined it to n >= 31 as the actual feasibility threshold. Given the problem’s structured nature, it’s likely that many participants arrived at similar logic.
I request clarity on the similarity detection processand a fair review of my case. If anyone has faced a similar situation or has insights on how to appeal effectively, please share your thoughts.
I appreciate the effort CodeChef puts into maintaining fairness in contests, but I hope for a reconsideration in cases where solutions were developed independently.