Whoa there, champ, YOU were the one to suggest that the past (your fictional "gentlemen's agreement") should be followed in this case. Now you're arguing that precedence doesn't matter? Seems like you're just throwing arguments at the wall to see what sticks (and trying to preserve your fictional "dignity"). Research the slanders against Jefferson at some point. Politics is a blood sport...
In this case, it was rooted in Godliness. So trump your strawman.