This is a bad example only because .ac.uk is technically a second-level domain, and anything under it would be a third-level subdomain of .ac.uk

Technically speaking, of course.

I take your point fully. Just musing on the country codes being appended to the same words as the new top level domains, just to create more confusion.

In the UK some smaller private colleges that are not eligible for .ac.uk register web sites with the .ac country code.

I understand, but I believe as others have pointed out that ICANN would deny said applications.

And if the spammers/scammers have enough money to afford the infrastructure necessary for a TLD, I think we may have a bigger problem.

My understanding is that books.uk is just a second level domain. It would have to be Nominet who questioned the application, and there are countries that appear to take a liberal view of the use of their country code. Have I misunderstood?

Ah, I missed that point. I just.. see that as a non-issue.

Though someone COULD use books.uk like a domain, I don't see people confusing it with .books websites.

If they do they have the wrong expectations from ccTLDs