Bob Jewett said:

The first Matchroom US Open did have timekeeping on every table. I think the person was also the score keeper. It was a huge logistics nightmare. There were lots of no-shows.

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Did you witness it, or hearsay?
Every table had a score keeper. We were shown how to rack. As scorekeepers, we're not trained to make calls, and get a referee. Here is a picture of me at the first Matchroom US Open in Atlantic City with fellow scorekeepers and some of the referees. It was very well organized, and Nigel along with most of the referees were very approachable.

Bob Jewett said:

Rule 6.6 does not specify "in play". The whole situation needs to be clarified.

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I appreciate the you citing rule 6.6.

I agree clarification is needed. Because like you said there's some nonsensical applications like if you "touch an object ball" that's knocked off the table.

And meanwhile there's rule 1.4 where there's scenarios balls are to be spotted. It doesn't say Rule 6.6 is suspended during the process of spotting balls. So does that imply if a player spots balls they are committing unsportsmanlike conduct? Or does the explicit existence of 1.4 imply Rule 6.6 is suspended for that act? And likewise does Regulation 13 imply Rule 6.6 is suspended for the act of clearing pockets?

And meanwhile, I do think it's a better look for referees to just ask the players to let them handle it. And it's a better look for nobody to attempt it until "the shot is complete" including all balls stop moving.

I play in both NAPA and APA leagues. I prefer the rules structure used in NAPA, so:
- Play 8-ball as a call pocket game, no slop (I'm looking at you APA)
- 9-Ball, call the 9 (again, APA)
- ban cell phone use while playing. Use of a cell phone while at the table (unless an emergency situation) results in loss of turn and ball in hand to your opponent.