T1,

The definition of X-Country flight time isn't in the FAR's, unless you're talking about what's required to meet the aeronautical experience for a flight test.

Not sure why the FAA didn't have a problem with the way you logged it, to meet the requirements for an ATP. FAR 61.1 b 3 iv states that anytime you're 50nm away from the departure airport, you can log it for the purposes of an ATP.