Right - I caught my error as to 'splitting' the SABC's.
As for the "clarification" .... I didn't ever think there was any doubt that walls that did not have a counter in front of them needed receptacles (spaced per 210.52(A)). Nor did I see any confusion as to the 'back sides' of counters that were used to divide spaces.
I see 210.52(A)(4) as requiring receptacles in the toe-kick space on the front side of the counters. I don't think I've ever seen receptacles in that location.Here's why I read the section that way:
210.52(A)(1) says 'measured along the floor line.' 210.52(A)(2) expands 'wall space' to indlude 'around corners,' 'fixed panels,' and 'free standing counters.'
Perhaps you wish to assert that your usual kitchen counter is not 'free standing.' I'll grant you that. Yet, 210.52(A)(4) only says that countertop receptacles will not be considered as meeting the requirement for receptacles spaced according to the 'floor line' rule. As I see it, this opens the entire floor line of any counter to the spacing requirements. Free-standing, attached to the wall, cantilevered from the walll - no matter, the floor line counter is still counting.
I hope that's not what they meant .... but it sure looks like that's what they said. I guarantee the same HI crowd that now claims that NM is not allowed attached to the joists over 'damp' crawl spaces will suddenly be discovering all manner of kitchens that lack receptacles along the floor line.
Heck, I even have a personal stake in this. My own kitchen needs remodelling. Counters all around, no open wall space at all, and a passageway / aisle down the middle. 18 ft. of counter, 5 ft. of wall where the stove and fridge will sit. With at least five receptacles serving the countertops, applying the 'floor line' rule would add at least three receptacles to the toe kicks - receptacles that (as I see it) cannot be on an SABC. I can't call that aisle a 'hall' because 210.52 specifically mentions 'kitchens.' Heck, all of that kitchen is either counter or walkway. Toe-kick receptacles only give me another place for the mop water to go. It just doesn't make sense.
To be fair, I wasn't all that happy when dining rooms were added to the 'required' list for SABC's. I think the code is really micro-managing design, and exceeding its' scope- but that's another topic, for another day.
Yet again, the 'clarification' needs clarification.