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I don't know what you mean by "middle of the fairway." No, the relief area goes 2 club lengths into the fairway (and extends away from there). Also, I don't know why "obviously" is in quotes. I didn't use that word, nor is it relevant here. If your ball is lost or known to be OB, you can use the MLR if it's in place.

I don't use anything except occasionally an alignment stick or a yardstick. 😄 

Day 7: 4/27 Session 9/24 of Full Speed Spectrum Training. Tied for my second highest speed of this program. Good session but I feel like I am leaving a little in the tank!

So even if a ball is obviously OOB? What constitutes "obviously". Let's say the person hitting says "I think that stayed in". The other three disagree and say it was obvious it did not. He cannot be forced to take a provisional can he? So this rule essentially offers the person hitting the ability to not have to risk going OOB again and hitting 4 from the middle of the fairway where the ball went OOB. Or am I reading the rules incorrectly?  

Lots of clubs institute this MLR. Even when conditions don't lead to a lot of lost balls. I see no problem with it. It does mean you're hitting your fourth (if your tee shot is missing), of course.