The examples I gave are not examples of bent rules, they are examples of OTHER rules that apply to using commas (and could conceivable take precedent over your 1 very basic rule) so as to not confuse the reader or create ambiguity. This is why a brain is so useful in editing rather than just rote memorization of rules. We should be seeking clarity not rigidity and the capriciousness I mention comes in when different QAs apply different rules with differing force. You may not be capricious in your use of a comma between 2 clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction but overlooking other uses for a comma is a capricious application of rules.
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