I’m not sure I understand. At one point in the replay, when using Phul to summon Plura from deck, I was not allowed to use Lich King + Bethor/Aratron. As tributes, their levels would be 6 + 8 = 14 >= 12. I was only allowed to use the Plura from hand.
Phul specifically says I can use monsters “whose total Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster (Plura)”.
I understand not being able to throw in more tributes once you’ve already exceeded the threshhold just for the sake of it, however, Lich King + Bethor/Aratron would be a valid combination of tributes to equal or exceed the level threshold of 12. So why would they not be allowed for use as materials?