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Bob, I truly hate this rule. In the video, the plate umpire waits for the runner to touch the plate and then points to it. Most of us would agree that he is indicating that the score counts, right? (I preach this mechanic at my clinics - don't point for a touch, an observent coach will notice when you don't and tell his players to complete a tag.)
I can see this ruling being changed again next year. If a guy lowers his shoulder, as this runner did, he is attempting to dislodge the ball not protect himself or reach the base. That qualifies as malicious intent in my books. MC can occur below the waist too though usually on a kick type slide or a punch.
Your note is dead on as far as current NCAA mechanics and I await Tom's videos for our bulletins. They usually make enough of us talk so that we can fine tune the things that make our job easier. I see them amending this next year.
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