*shurgs*
That's why floor people have latitude. I think it's important to bring the rule to their attention, in a nice way, though so they don't keep having the same problem.
I've never, ever thought "I checked the nuts to find out what my opponent had" argument was valid though - if your opponent can't even call a minimum bet on the river, then you've got your answer: they had nothing.
On the third point I don't think removing the rule would help catch bad cheaters - because once you remove the rule, they can argue that what they're doing is legal
I wouldn't use that argument either, just mentioned it since that's what Darvin Moon said - Though I still think he just misread his hand and felt embarrassed after he realized. (I do not think he should have been penalized)
Though if he or others wish to do it, they should be allowed as long as they are doing it without intent of cheating or soft play.
I think you can remove the rule and people still wouldn't be able to argue against it - Since collusion or soft play is against the rules, checking the nuts with the intent of collusion or soft play even without the checking the nuts rule being in place would still be against the rules.
I guess if you can implement the rule where it is more lax and wouldn't alienate genuine mistakes from amateurs. Not that pros don't make mistakes like misreading their hand or the board as well (Phil Ivey) but they won't feel out of place with such a mistake as a newbie would.
The two things that worry me most about this rule would be:
1.) Alienating amateurs and making them feel out of place
2.) a person making a genuine mistake being penalized and effecting the outcome of the tournament for that player. (Which in return would effect the outcome for everyone)
Another rule I'm not a fan of - Which I've personally been a victim of, is the have to be in your seat after the first card leaves the deck rule.
I was Short stacked after break I got back in my seat before any action came and the dealer took my hand away and said you had to be in your seat before I start dealing.
I was upset but let it go.. Nothing I could do about it at that point anyway.