I have seen decisions in both organizations that I called BULLSHIT! Neither have rules all agree with and both have people who dont have a clue at times what they are talking about...often making assumptions without facts. In the end, understanding the rules of whichever organization you are running with is your best defense(agree James!)...brings to mind the line of an old song..."I fought the law and the law won"
Not sure what goes on in Texas NASA but I'm sure Chris's description is accurate. And if he(or others)did not have an opportunity to appeal...shame on those officials in charge at the time. All drivers have the right to appeal! Only decisions(I think) that can not be appealed(in either org) that I'm aware of are those by the SCCA SM compliance team.
NASA's commitment to avoid double yellows when at all possible I'm sure has something to do with how their rules are written. An extra degree of safety when trucks and personnel may be on the ground right over a blind hill is a good thing. The severe penalties NASA can/does impose has everything to do with letting all drivers know to pay fffing attention! Avoiding a potential tragedy is way more important than completing a pass. I've only seen SCCA enter a hot track once and that didn't go so well