Other mistake: The tax letter and Rimmer's mother's letter are both already opened before Lister takes the letters out. As there is no one else aboard Red Dwarf, the letters would not have been checked by anyone so they should still be sealed. Also, not all of the letters are already open, just the two that Rimmer receives.
Other mistake: The shots of Blue Midget driving back to Red Dwarf that are shown from behind are visibly the exact same shots used each time. This is evident as the driving movements of Blue Midget, its position in the frame, and Red Dwarf's position in the background are all identical each time.
Answer: The cello is a large four-stringed instrument, which, when it is played, stands vertically on the floor between the player's legs (assuming they are seated). If it is to grow as large as the other instuments mentioned will, it would require a rather unseemly lack of femininity to be able to encompass it with the legs.
Rooster of Doom