Jerry
I wasn't trying to dispute what you said or saying it would not work I've just not seen (or heard) of it like that until now. The "must have flashing on top" is the only way I've been taught. Anything else just does not seem right.
I have seen it flashed as in the photo, flashing on top of 2nd row, then 1st row on top of flashing. In the photo I do see nails through the 1st row into the flashing, that should have been no nails but just sealed with roofing cement.

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Rick Cantrell
Columbus GA