You might have missed one point which I have already mentioned. The point is, there can be debate on this. Yes, this rule indeed has many drawbacks and loopholes. I fully agree with what you just said. Mod definitely will do something about it. But until then, kindly stick to the rule.
I guess, the only reason, this rule has been brought into, is to stop people from making a hell lot of spam updates just by removing an old news, and thereby gaining in TL counts.