... even if it was like 5 seconds prior

[kadioguy]

[Christopher is interviewing Jossy]

Christopher Reichert: [...] And she's also part of an operating team, sorry, part of a team opening a new school, New England Innovation Academy, the first human-centered design middle and high school in the United States. So welcome Jossy, that's a lot going on!

Jossy Lee: Just launching a new book and opening a new school, just a few things.

Christopher Reichert: Yeah. And raising a few children.

Jossy Lee: And raising a few children. Yes. Well, thank you Christopher, that was a good one, I'm honored.

https://tinyurl.com/yjgxw8lz
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Me: Why did she say "was" rather than "is"?

Friend: That means that was a good point. I honestly feel like both could work. I would say that the use of "was" is simply acknowledging what Chris said in the past (even if it was like 5 seconds prior).
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Question:

A. ... even if it was like 5 seconds prior.

B. ... even if it was like 5 seconds ago. [my version]

C. ... even if it was like 5 seconds previously. [my version]

D. ... even if it was like 5 seconds before. [my version]

Do they mean the same?

 

[tedmc]

Something said five seconds ago could be considered past or current. It makes no difference to me.

I think only version B is natural.

 

[slevlife]

That’s surprising, because version B is the only one I wouldn’t use. For me at least (AmE speaker), I would not use “ago” if the reference point isn’t now. Here, the reference point is the moment when Jossy responded to Christopher.