I encountered the following question in an organic chemistry paper -
The reaction follows benzyne mechanism. My answer was B.
However, the answer given in the test solutions was D. The mechanism given was as follows:
My question: The tert-butoxide being a bulky base is more likely to abstract the least hindered hydrogen, which is clearly present at the para-position to $\ce{-OCH3}$. Then the benzyne triple bond would form between the meta and para carbons, following which product (B) would be obtained. However, the given mechanism involves abstraction of the hydrogen from the ortho-position, which has two large groups on either side, and hence shouldn't occur.
Is my reasoning right? Are there any other factors affecting the reaction that decides which hydrogen will be removed?
I am also open to the possibility of the test solution's mechanism being wrong.