Forgive the tone of authority. What I was trying to convey was that I cannot tell someone to use whatever rules they see fit; it would go against not only my inner nature with regard to house rules and it would cause confusion for tournaments and/or other "official" events.
Neither am I stating that my word is law. I qualified that with the "unless and until" clause.
For fear of being misunderstood through translation, I stated as clearly and as succinctly as I am able, "This is the rule. The rule is official. It is how it would be interpreted in a tournament or other official event in which I was the referee."
If I have offended anyone or if I am being too heavy-handed, I apologize. Please, understand; I make every attempt to make my interpretations of the rules from the letter of the entire body of the rules. When I am unsure, I do, indeed, seek guidance from others on the FAQ Team and from Thom. In their absence and/or unavailability, I present my interpretations in an attempt to avoid delays in answering what are, obviously, very important questions to the players.
When I stated...
A ruling was requested. A ruling has been given.
...it was my way of saying that I did not know how to be clearer regarding this issue and that I could not offer further insight if the questioner was going to simply to continue to argue their point in the face of an explanaton.
I appreciate the patience and support shown by all, thus far. Thank you.