I worked a hoops game in 1990 or 1991 that was televised live...on a local cable channel.
Make sure you know this isn't a fact before you offer up criticism.
I'm not that concerned about placards. I agree -- I don't see a reason to wear them, but as long as the shirt complies with the uniform, is this really a big deal? Sort of like the short sleeve/black pants deal in years past when the official statement was long sleeve only.
I doubt most of us are 100% sound on all the mechanics in the manual. True, intentionally disregarding the manual is pretty cheezy, but I have to think that some of these issues involve honest mistakes -- they saw "TV", heard it was on some sort of video, and said "hey, let's wear the placard shirts."