"By special permission, the authority having jurisdiction may waive specific requirements in this code or permit alternative methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety."

You see, Jerry, what you stated is not quite the whole truth as it is applied by Article 90. Most AHJ's will stick with a close interpretation of the NEC but some that know what they are doing often give exception to some things. The attachment plug on NM cable is just one example of something that really has nothing to do with violating electrical safety and is often allowed. I have seen this on a multitude of jobs and not witnessed one indication that the installation was not safe. And good luck getting anything in writing from an AHJ. About as close as you will get is a green tag for the installation.