I can't swear to it, but A) the rule book is organic, it has evolved over time as situations have arisen. B) there have been a number of attorneys associated with the PDGA, some on the board. One out of Michigan, ten or so years ago, who raised a number of issues about gambling.
C) The open ended rules are designed that way, by my interpretation. The rules that are specific are also meant to be that way, you have to have a flat answer. Say for example OB. The thirty second rule is meant to keep play moving, it isn't meant to be punitive in the sense that every player who takes 31 seconds needs a punishment, it's meant to say, you don't get to wait five minutes till the wind dies down, or take five minutes to sneak off and have a joint. You need to be timely. There are those that abuse it, both ways, but it is a spirit of the game kind of rule. If you try and define what a distraction is, it will be different for each player. OB is the same for every player, you're over the line or you're not. I grant that on close calls it can be difficult, but the rules are specific, a card ruling is called for.
In the two situations, one needs to be absolute, the other not. That's the reason that John didn't get the call. He was correct, it was over thirty seconds, but the vagaries of the rule allow for interpretation, as is appropriate, given that Paul wasn't trying to gain some advantage, unless as has been pointed out, pee on the hand is an advantage.
