I was always taught that if something is called, it is a violation. If it is not called, it is not a violation. So as a player or coach you are instructed and/or play accordingly. You simply want the game/plays to be called consistently.
You have similar issues with 3 second violations and what type of contact is or isn't a foul.
At some point, officials decided that the euro-step type action is not a violation. Sooo, we live with it and adjust.
The game continues to change. And really, the rules have not changed that dramatically; but the interpretation of those rules certainly has.