Interesting about the 151 Wing chap - is he ever there at weekends? I'll be staying 9th-11th Dec, would be nice to say hello.
What was the rationale for not awarding both Pacific and Burma stars?
At some stage it was decided that the maximum number of stars which could be awarded to one individual was five. I assume this was probably a matter of practicality, as groups of 6 or 7 stars with the other campaign medals might just be too unwieldy, but I'm only guessing. So you could get the Burma Star with the Pacific clasp, or vice versa.
As well as that example, you could only get either the Aircrew Europe Star or the Atlantic Star - not both. Clasps for the second star qualified for were worn on the ribbon of the first. I have seen a few groups with the maximum five stars, with clasps on the stars - Prince Philip's medals are a good example.