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I didn't think there was any mystery that the player numbering exception was created for reasons OTHER than creation of an offense designed to take advantage of it.
As has been the case with just about every rule or law that's ever been written, once written people try and devise ways around the rule, or law, getting as close as possible without violating it. Sometimes those attempts are successful, sometimes not. When not, the solution is a simple one; modify the rule to cover the attempted circumvention.
One fortunate/unfortunate aspect ALWAYS applies; the rule as written is the rule that applies, and until correction is made, the rule originally written is what counts.
As officials, we should understand, although we are not required to agree with or like any of the rules of the game, but we are expected, and required, to enforce them, as written and officially interpreted. We are entitled to our opinions, but until the rules makers speak or act, those opinions are as valid as any assistant coach's opinion of the spots we mark.
You should not presume that anyone who chooses not to over react and vehemently condemn this, or any, attempt at circumventing any rule automatically agrees with the attempted circumvention. This issue is in the hands of the rule makers, and we will all have to abide with their conclusion, whether we like it or not.
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