there were rules to follow and one of them was the 800 word limit. I did the best I could.

I am so sad to read this from you!
Did you really do the best you could?

This is blogging and not an examination - that means: we are invited to follow some rules but never forced to do so. Therefore, obeying rules is no excuse to diminish quality.

If my story needs a few more than 800 words, then the community rules will and have to respect this.

Communities whose rules disrespect or obstruct quality content are not worth to give rules anymore.

This is my very stong opinion.
;-)