I used the term 'plot hole' because Lee's genin status is in direct conflict with all the BS Naruto had to go through in the first episode to become a genin. As for if it can be explained easily or not isn't the point. Its a contradiction which is a 'plot hole'. Anyone can come up with a half-assed explanation for anything, it doesn't mean that it makes up for an obvious storyline mistake. Kishimoto goofed that is all there is to it.