While I can agree that there is currently an inconsistency in the written rules, as I pointed out before that's simply a problem with the current REG's written description of various rules, not with how the rules actually work or are enforced. The new REG will have updated and clearer definitions for many rules, including the ones that matter for this discussion, to reflect how they actually work (i.e.: the letter of the law, in your words).
At this point I don't see any reason to continue this discussion. There has been a ruling agreed on by 2 elders (regarding protection vs following host) and another discussion brought up that will need to be evaluated by the Elders as a whole (regarding healing). I'm sure they'll post once they reach a decision about the healing question, and in the meantime we know how to treat protection v. hold for the remainder of this season and it will be reflected in the REG next season.
