Completely agree on the flinches. Especially for younger kids and if it doesn't otherwise affect the start.
Our false start issue was a bit more unique, but is addressed clearly in NVSL's false start guidance. One of our swimmers was using a teammate's legs for a backstroke start. At the "take your marks" command, he started to pull up to get into his starting position, but one of his hands slipped off his teammate's legs and he fell backwards (all before getting set in his starting position). NVSL's guidance covers this scenario and says it is not a false start if a swimmer loses his balance and falls into the pool before getting set.
We have a very experienced referee. To his credit, he was patient in letting them make their argument. But there was no reason for them to push the issue for 15 minutes after the meet ended. That, however, was just one of the many annoying (and petty) things that they did on Saturday.