Sticking to the point: I don't have an issue with 'de minimus' use of romex in what are nominally wet locations; entering the base of the light next to your front door being a good example.
That's my problem with those who take the code as far as they can. We've all seen wires that were spliced using a twist, solder, and tape; can anyone document just what exactly makes this an 'approved' means? Or, for that matter, where placing a wire nut over twisted wires is officially endorsed?
Drifitng off point ... ever notice that most folks on the road treat the speed limit as though it were a requirement to drive at that speed? That there is something 'wrong' about doint 35 in a 40 zone?
Well, the same psychology applies to electric work as well. Romex had, until recently, been regarded as a very limited wiring method, to be used only in certain circumstances. It was clear to all that it was intended only for stick-framed single family homes.
I'm not making this up, either. Metal studs didn't exist until the 70's, and the code limited romex to buildings three stories or less. For those unaware, three stories is as high as you can go using wood ballon-framing as the structural supports. (Trivia: Cement blocks can only go 5 stories). That code restriction was a major hint as to the intended uses of romex.
A few cycles back (was it 99?) we re-worded this part of the NEC, substituting fire-rated construction classes in place of the previous restriction. Voila! Suddenly romex was allowed for use in commercial buildings.
So, now we are faced with an attitude that romex is the 'default' wiring method, with other methods used only as a last resort - and all manner of methods used to remain with romex, to 'push the envelope.' We're also seeing romex used more with steel studs, a circumstance for which it was never intended - and, IMO, for which bushings are a poor adaptation. (Ever try to mount a plastic nail-on box to a steel stud?)
IMO, the use of romex has drifted far from its' intended course, in part because of changes in the way we make things. Sad to say, there are many electricians who have not worked with any other wiring method. (Scary, but true!) What was meant as a way to make tract homes has crabbed into every corner of construction. I think the entire NEC article needs a substantial review.
