We've had discussions about this before, though not in the rating context. That is, about strictly playing by the rules, 100% of the time. It still amazes - and impresses - me that there are participants here who do that, and find it natural. I gather John K. is one. My experience out in the "real" world is that I don't know a single other person who doesn't take liberties from time to time. Not in competitive play, obviously, but in casual play. The concept of dropping and just playing everything as a lateral is so normal to everyone else I know that they are often shocked when I tell them that really isn't playing by the rules.
So John, I'm gonna admit also that I myself sometimes play this way. Of course I surely don't if there is any form of competition involved. But outside of that, hell yes I'm gonna drop one and move on rather than march back to the tee. And shhhh! Don't tell anyone but sometimes I give myself putts, too!
And in rounds in which I am evaluating a course for rating purposes, I break the rules even MORE! I routinely hit extra shots, drop balls and try different chips, putt balls from all over a green, etc. Man if I was to add up the penalty strokes for rounds like these I doubt I'd break 120. Doesn't seem to matter much as I don't tend to keep score if I am doing a rating, but still...count me as one who's a poor evaluator of design, for this reason.
I know you're just trying to tweak Scott about this - and well done there! But still, it was too good NOT to answer.
TH