By way of a caveat let me say that I know precious little about record fish, other than what is published in the media. Typically this is who caught what, where and when.
Mark's article and Andy's comments have made me think a little on this subject.
Personally, I don't think I'd even bother to apply for any record as I am not that bothered to tell the truth, with a record for the sake of the record!
That said, can anyone tell me who actually empowered the current body with the ownership and administration of the record fish list?
Also, is there anything to suggest that more than one body can not have different lists, using different criteria to authenticate the applications?
This might be a little like the various "champions" in the boxing world, however, it might go some way to solving the problem.
On the question of hybrids, why is there not a record for cay a roach/bream (or any other) hybrid? After all, as a sub species maybe they should be considered as well.
In the final analysis I think Andy has it totally correct when he says that whoever administers this list has to do it efficiently and with a high degree of credibility, otherwise, why bother?