Knowing that this is a long-standing source of contention for fans of the film, why is Honda's statement that the end is "a tie" not established as the definitive answer? Is this a unanimous opinion by the writer and other filmmakers involved as well?

This is similar to the explanation of the potato in BUCKAROO BANZAI on the DVD commentary - it has been given an answer. I would think this revelation would be considered a boon to fandom the world over.

"I live the unknown, I love the unknown... I AM the unknown."