Josh,
very interesting comment!
so one could take the modification section and basically argue that the wheel section is the maximum modification allowed....
One could argue that. One would most likely amuse the SOMs reading that justification. I think the problem is the failure to recognize that the rules are of two types -
A. Those establishing the maximum legal modification to a component
-and-
B. Those listing the mandatory modifications to a component.
Requirement to run a maximum wheel size is a commandment. You can run any wheel/tire you want as long as it meets the limits 7.a
Note the difference:
Any wheel/tire combination may be used within the following limitations: <size limits based on class>
versus
Stock wheel/tire or an alternate may be used subject to the following limitations: <size limits based on class>