Grounding electrode conductor question

[charlie b]

A, C, and D are obviously false. That leaves B by elimination.

The problem with this reasoning, Steve, is that B is also obviously false.

 

[tryinghard]

OK, so let's say insulation failure is out. What is the point of stabilizing the voltage relative to ground? Or is the only point of earthing to deal with lightning or accidental overvoltage?

Well if air permits storage of electric energy as a capacitor, and this is the way of stabilizing the voltage, then this energy is static meaning yes is the answer to your 2nd question

 

[tryinghard]

The problem with this reasoning, Steve, is that B is also obviously false.

Yes and this reasoning doesn't change the fact that "the earth shall not be considered as an effective ground-fault path", 250.4(A)(5)