I think I would require pipe/flex in any occupancy that could reasonably expect major revisions or renovation within 5 years, and I wouldn't expect different as an EC.
Look at the average lifespan of a strip mall occupancy... IMHO, the use of NM in such an occupancy would lead to all sorts of rat's nests from abandoned wires from the prior occupant when the (non-english-speaking low bid psuedo-)EC working for the landlord/management company does a rush job for the new tenant.
