A problem, if the conclusion is Phil gamed the rule, is the rule. My read on the rule and likely purpose is striking the ball as it is moving but not necessarily as a defensive move to prevent the ball from moving to a less advantageous lie.
I suppose it is a dick move. But the USGA runs the open like a bunch of dicks. I'm not mad about it at all, despite Phil's obvious tactics which are less than sporty. I took it as, screw this course set up, I'm done with it.