Rulesman

13.1a does point to the specific issue in the picture ie 2.2c If part of the ball is both on the putting green and in another area of the course, see Rule 2.2c.

Not Allowed. Using any type of golf training or swing aid (such as an alignment rod or a weighted headcover or “donut”) or a non-conforming club to make a practice swing or in any other way that creates a potential advantage by helping the player in preparing for or making a stroke (such as help with swing plane, grip, alignment, ball position or posture).

First question on original post.

Re the original question; the definition previously said a ball touching the green is on the green. Where has that statement been moved to? I can't find it.

"where part of the ball is below the level of the ground." Seems to be good enough

Have I missed something? When he decided to mark the spot with the tip of his tee in case the ball rolled away, wasn't he on the green? 9.3 Exception. Edit: The initial picture showing a flagstick threw me. Watching again I see he wasn't.

Following the Rules is not considered to be cheating.

I am surprised but it such an obvious change that I reckon they intended it. I can't say I'm too fussed either way.

I wonder if the RBs consider that as bunker surfaces and underlying ground in individual bunkers at most clubs is so variable, that screwing his feet in tells the player nothing about the ground where his ball lies. And therefore they have seen no need for a prohibition.

That originates with a situation at my club some years ago when I asked for a ruling from the R&A. At the time the answer was as you post above. I asked the same question a few weeks ago in the light of the rule changes and was told the ruling has now changed. "No the answer would be different under today’s Rules. The old answer used equity which is no longer part of the Rules. Just like the ruling with the twig, the same would apply for the leaf. Grant actually covered this question in a recent Q&A that he did. You can see the Q&A here: The R&A - Rules from the Garden Special A special interactive edition of ‘Rules from the Garden: #AskGrant’ will be showcased by The R&A on Friday afternoon. The question is at about 12:40 on the above video."

Yes

How much neared would you like to drop it? 1,10,100 yards? I would like to drop 20 yards nearer than you did. Just how do you determine that you could cause the ball to move?

The Course Rating tells you the difficulty of the course for the average scratch player. Par for a hole only tells you that the length of a particular hole is between x yards and y yards. Par for the course is simply the sum of the hole pars. It does not tell you how well you played. Course Par for 18 short par 4s is the same as 18 long par 4s

A few years ago we had a similar problem with one green which had a couple of overhanging pine trees. As it happens it was adjacent to the greenkeepers sheds. So they would leave a leaf blower nearby that members could use when necessary. The trees were taken down recently as the shadow from the trees was affecting the green surface.

Papa Steve, you were playing 'Fourball matchplay'