Then allow me to explain......you are comparing a rule that has a direct affect on each possession (the shot clock) to a rule that wont affect the outcome of a game
It's a rule that can absolutely effect the outcome of a game and it's in place for essentially the same reason as the 24 second clock.
The rule serves it's purpose.....it stops people from abusing it by going way over
So does the 24 second clock. Yet there's no "leeway". Also, no leeway on the 8 second rule which also "doesn't effect the outcome of a game".
You made the claim it's a rule so it needs to be enforced. So is the speed limit, and it seems you are OK they don't hold people to the letter of the law on that. Are you now saying only in the NBA do rules need to be strictly enforced? Since I'm sure you know there have been guys in the lane more than 3 seconds and gotten away with it are you also saying only in the NBA on 1 rule that affects nothing, really, and many probably don't even know about it?
Come up with an actual basketball example or run along. Not getting into your bullshit hypotheticals that have nothing to do with the actual discussion.