Based on the last two code cycles and some of the approved proposals submitted for the 2008 NEC, the code seems to be looking more like the NFPA 70E or an OSHA document. Safe working practices are not within the scope of the NEC yet many recent code changes are an attempt to create that protection. I'm not sure how effective the 110.16 requirement is or will be in the future but that consideration doesn't necessarily go into whether or not it should be enforced. A 40-cent sticker is by no means a hardship and can be easily applied at time of installation.
That being said, when you are unaware of how a particular jurisdiction or individual inspector interprets a particular code requirement, it is always best to contact that person or department for guidance rather than ignore advisories or argue the case on Final Inspection.
Whom you might believe to be "green" inspector or just a hard-liner may in truth be quite experienced and highly educated or is just following a consensus made within his department and not taking some rogue stance as you might believe. For example, the head of my building department, the inspections division manager, and three of the four electrical inspectors were all licensed electrical contractors before employment at the City. Many of the "gray" issues in the code have been carefully reviewed and discussed as a group to come up with the most appropriate enforcement policies and procedures for these installations.
In the event our vast experience, education, and training leaves us short of answers, we actively participate in our local IAEI and BOAF meetings to consult other local jurisdictions for their opinions and expertise. In some cases, one or more area building departments view things the same way. But this is not always the case and you the electrical contractor need to be aware of these local differences in enforcement.
