David -
I'm not sure what there would be to clear up, unless they change it to the "first to touch" rule.
IMO, the way the rule is written, the advantage your looking for doesn't or shouldn't depend on whether the player receives a pass. If not called, the advantage would / could be that four offensive players are allowed to move about ALL over the inside of the gym instead of staying within the confines of the court. I think the defense would be at a distinct disadvantage if they had to guard players in the stands...at the snack stand...in the locker room (Yeah, I know, I'm being silly).
Seriously though, this is how I look at this. IT IS a disadvantage to have to guard people that are allowed to play outside the confines of the court. (To be clear, in my one time calling this, the player did not just "step" out...they ran out by close to two feet. So yes, I do think discretion is important and I don't look to call it when someone steps on or just outside the line.)