Maybe you didn't catch my drift, but I was defending you. Maybe you missed the post where I even said "Maybe I'll try the Moen gasket style at some point."
However, as long you commented, I'll respond.
Wait... didn't you say the opposite in your first response?
"Moen makes them that way and a heck of a lot cheaper."
AFAIK it's been putty of some type since the dawn of plumbing. Not because it's cheaper but because it works.
While I never suggested using putty on the bottom, I do not agree with your "putty would not be sold comment".
The top absolutely does rotate. Just "Ask This Old House"
My comment related to the "error" was not a comment against the use of a gasket. It was that you created a lip that will catch debris on one side and may not have fully sealed the other side. That's why I said you got lucky.
In addition, it appears from the image that you posted that part of the drain is not fully seated on the sink. It *can't* be because it is being held up by the gasket. That's another reason why I think you got lucky.