the exception that makes the rule

One can be an exception without being exceptional, themilum.

We seem to have more people who take exception to the rules than we have rules or rulers.

It's a good thing we've got your self-annointed judgeship to sort it all out for us. :)

re "the best that was thrown out of the crowd?"

Who was it who first quipped "I've been thrown out of better joints than this!". Probably Groucho Marx.