I just had a run rejected because "USA needs to have +3 handicap as per the standard rules of Twilight Struggle". I've checked my paper version of the rules which came with my version of the game, as well as the most recent version of the rules on TSR's web site (http://www.gmtgames.com/living_rules/TSRules2nd.pdf), and they both state under rule 3.4 under game setup:

"Finally, place the VP marker on the Victory Points Track on the zero space."

I've never seen any version of the rules, nor I have I ever played a game with anybody else, where the US got a 3 point head start. Can my run be re-accepted? Thanks.