Lefty has a question

[Gee]

Here is what JEA has to say about your first question.

OBR 8.05(b) Customs and usage. "....The purpose of this rule is to allow the runner to get a practical lead. If feints were allowed, pitchers could hold runners much closer to first base and the offense would be stifled. The main purpose of the balk rule is to encourage offense not to stifle it."

So your second point was right. G.