Trying to determine if something meets the "intent" isn't part of my job; never has been, never will be. I don't work for the manufacturer or their engineering dept or even the ICC authors. I could never assume that I have the knowledge or experience to effectively determine "intent" over the experience of those listed above; whom I might add state "in writing" what the correct method is.
Assuming that the experts have established the correct method I feel it is pretty safe to inform my client when it does not meet those standards. The client can determine intent if they desire.
I won't give the electrician a by just because their work looks nice. If they didn't do it right, and I can identify, note, and inform...I do. The electrician can justify his/her position to the client easy enough.
I prefer to take care of the client over the tradesman or the agent. (not that anyone else doesn't) and that ideology has me sleeping well at night.

__________________
If I had two faces, would I be wearing this one?
Abraham Lincoln