I recall a fairly recent discussion regarding assisting the runner which seemed to have a similar under current to this touchback/safety discussion. In the assisting the runner discussion, it seemed that most posters knew what the rule was but decided not to enforce it for philosophical reasons. In the touchback/safety discussion, most seem to admit that the rule book would call the OP a touchback, however they have decided not to enforce the rule, again for philosophical reasons.
I am aware of the "holding away from the play" scenario, but do not believe that it germane to either the assisting the runner or the touchback/safety discussions.