"I just don't see St. James as being legimately ranked over teams like Gardner Edgerton who demolished them and Aquinas at the Classic".

Here is how:

112: Taylor Moeder places 2nd.
119: Tyler Stokes places 2nd.
130: Ryne Cokeley places 2nd.
152: Todd Curtis places 6th.
171: Greg Curtis places 6th.

Every other placer for GE at JOCO does not qualify for Grand State. A narrow point victory for SJA over GE.