I guess I'm just weird. I see it as 9b temporarily switches to "Call shot mode" when shooting at the 8. In any call shot game like 8b, if the called ball goes in the wrong pocket, you step away from the table.
Also in variants of 9b where you call the game ball... challenge of champions, and I think on the predator tour... uncalled 9's spot and you lose your turn.
Being able to call your game ball, or just slop it to get another free chance at winning... seems a bit too much like having it both ways.
