We made that rule to make sure we can test the submitted software before starting the voting period.
Last year we had a script which could have caused harm to the users devices, that's why we want to test the submissions first.

We don't have every device or we wouldn't be able to hardware mod our devices or buy new ones just to test some exotic apps...
So for example I wouldn't count the N950 as default hardware, because you can't buy it. If there would be an app requiring the N950.
Or I wouldn't count Nemo as official version of Maemo or Harmattan. If there would be an app requiring Nemo...

So I think EasyDebian, Inception and NITDroid wouldn't be a problem.
Just my opinion, though.

But what could be a substantial update?
EasyDebian: An easy installation maybe? With bundled inception?
Inception: Working with PR 1.3?
NITDroid: Version 4.1 JellyBelly?