The launch of the OUSA publicity stunt was marred by an alleged assault of Mr Edgar as he prepared to enter his "presidential prison" on Monday night.
Mr Edgar said he remained undecided about whether to lay charges against a member of the Act on Campus group, after an altercation which allegedly involved being grabbed by the throat, accompanied by a threat of more violence.
While the alleged incident had "definitely hijacked" the launch of OUSA's protest, Mr Edgar said it would not detract from the campaign against Voluntary Student Membership (VSM).
"Any sort of violence is wrong and you don't really want to let it lie, but I've got bigger issues at the moment to deal with ... It was really stupid and unacceptable," Mr Edgar said of the incident.
The second-year marketing student from Manapouri spent 42 hours in a wire mesh cage on the University Union Lawn to protest against a looming legislation change, which could signal a death knell for student associations around the country.
Student associations want to stop the contentious Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill, which is sponsored by retiring Act New Zealand MP Heather Roy and nears its third reading in Parliament soon.
Mr Edgar braved near-freezing night-time temperatures during his stint behind bars and planned a much-needed bathroom visit after he squeezed between the bars of his cage about 1pm yesterday.
He was optimistic students around the country would form their own protests to get the message to politicians.
"If we have more of this sort of stuff before the final [reading], then I think we have a pretty good chance of defeating the Bill," Mr Edgar said.
Student associations estimate they will lose almost all of their revenue if students are given a choice about paying to join university associations.
VSM would "get rid" of university clubs, student association organised events, such as the national University Games tournament, and also important campus support services, Mr Edgar said.
