For one thing, the Che vy has the same siamesed port layout as earlier engines, such as the Lincoln Y-Block. The SBC was derived from earlier engines and is not unique in that respect.
An sbc intake was fitted, in a similar fashion to 2 of the other engines because there simply was not an intake specific to the engine family that would do what the builder wanted.
Another thing to remember, is Kaase entered the competition to win, not to appease the diehard fans - and that is what he did. I'm glad he did. Having his name attached to a Y that won and produced, to the best of my knowledge, record amounts of power in naturally aspirated form, 584hp and 596ftlbs, is great. That is just what is needed to have aftermarket companies wake up and start producing things. There is certainly no guarantee it will happen, but every example that can get mainstream attention is a step in the right direction and demonstrates, undeniably that a Y is capable of serious power with proper support.
To answer the question When is a Y no longer a Y (or any engine is no longer what it was, for that matter). My opinion is when that engine's major components are no longer genuine Ford (or che vy, Dodge, Packard, etc). At that point it is a Ford based engine, but is no longer a Ford engine. By that Definition, both Ted's and Kaase's engines are not true Y-Blocks. Kaase's certainly deviates even farther. About the only genuine Ford thing left in each is the block. However, I do not have a problem with someone calling it by that name as long as the facts are not overstated.
Lawrenceville, GA