So why not write the rule thus:
"If a fair ball goes through, or by all infielders with a reasonable ability to make a play on the ball and touches a runner immediately back of said infielder(s) or touches a runner after being deflected by an infielder, the ball is in play and the umpire shall not declare the runner out. In making such decision, the umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by, the infielder(s) and that no other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball; runners advance if forced. The determination of 'a reasonable ability to make a play' is at the sole discretion of the umpires on the field."
Isn't that much clearer and EXACTLY what the intent of the rule is? Instead, you get a lot of umpires reading the meat of the rule without the 'exception' which really isn't an exception at all.
The people who write the rule books need a good editor but never seem to find the time or money to employ one.