Question about multiple tail lights

I had a punto (if i remember correctly) in for test today. It had two tail light bulbs on either side mounted vertically. The N/S upper one wasn't working. As both lower ones were working I believed I had a matched pair. I was going to issue an advisory for light sources not illuminating but not more than 50%. Another tester happened by and being a nosey bugger, started reading my notes.

Cut a long story short he told me that they were not a matching pair because both bulbs were in the same lamp. If they were separate lamps it would be ok. I ended up failing it in the end after another tester agreed with him. Would you guys also agree?