In reply to mark_wellin:
sorry I have just re-read your post and realised I was repeating what you already said, hence the delete.
I'm not sure resurrecting the debate about the E grade system to describe headpoints is relevant to the news as reported...
I think a news article saying someone has headpointed an e9 6c with preplaced gear (and it felt more like F8a+ in that style), or if a mate says to me in the pub they have done a highball font 8a on top rope, is being perfectly straightforward about style of ascent.
What you are saying is that you think that the E grade should only ever be used to describe onsights, which has been done to death and IMHO isn't relevant to this news article. Maybe start a new thread if you want to rehash that debate?