Not looking for an end game. I'm offering a perspective that Eurocentric type sports (cycling, soccer, rugby, cricket) are more about the spirit of the rules/laws and that it is up to the referee to decide. I like that and it frees players/rider to just do the sport recreation and allows the judges/referees to judge. Where there is not referee then sportsmanship and personal honor come into play, but that was not what any of the examples or the OP was about. The referee was involved and knew the facts.
Maybe that perspective is wrong. But because I hold it does not mean I advocate cheating, being covert, or spend time teaching my kid the 11th commandment. Its just I think rule enforcement is for those that are in the position to enforce it and winning is the best goal for the participants.