as1-2008-test-4x4.txt
Yes. This is a Monge matrix
1
3
1
0

Faster algorithm used 9 comparisons
Very Straightforward algorithm used 12 comparisons
Straightforward algorithm used 8 comparisons



as1-2008-test-5x4.txt
No.  This is not a Monge matrix




Note: here both the "straightforward" and "very straightforward" 
algorithms perform sequence search, but the former takes advantage of
the fact that f(1) <= f(2) <= ... <= f(m) while the latter doesn't.
You may choose to implement either strategies for algorithm (i) 
or both.