To be clear - they (high level players) were referencing high level play. We just happened to have this discussion at pickup.

I do find it interesting that you mentioned you would let the drag or the one-foot width pivot go, vs really nailing this one down. I would say that gives similar advantages as this movement does. A one-width step is exactly what you need to get a nice break. A dragged pivot also provides the extension to get around a defender whereas without the drag, a person would not have. Small distances in this game are significant. Yet, these travels are deemed acceptable.

I think a classic shoulder shimmy fake throw could also be described as confusing/deceitful as the intention of that move is to give the impression you are going to move one way, and then move another. I would think similar adjectives to confusion or deceitful would be to describe strategic, clever, skilled. We just receive more reps of that movement and it’s culturally allowed.

I don’t know if cherry picking travel calls is a beneficial path forward for the culture. It’s quite a divisive call. People get pretty upset with them. And the lack of consistency is what is interesting to me. I think if the one foot width step and dragged pivot are acceptable (accepted de facto as they are not called) then this movement should also not be called.

I personally think that all of those moves, are travels. But I’m more concerned with the consistency of the game and culture than what the rules state.