TEPaul,
From a historical perspective one can understand how 8-2 b evolved, but, all that was before the cheater line existed.
The USGA needs to reexamine the issue.
I find the current wording open to interpretation, such that the USGA could rule that the cheater line violates 8-2 b if they wanted to go that route. If they don't, a rewriting of
8-2 b, followed by a clarifying decision would resolve the issue.
At what erosive point will the USGA step in to protect the spirit of the game, if not the game itself ?