:grin:You have touched on a long time pet peeve. Many years ago electricians in the areas I worked never ran romex across the top of joists in attics except beyond the knee walls. That was then an accepted practice. In the few years I was away from residential construction everyone one in this area had begun to run Romex as the crow flys (and knee walls disappeared). I questioned it with inspectors, supervisors, etc and got no firm answers.
I questioned CMP members at a Southern Section IAEI meeting and the answer was, "next to stapling in attics, 334.23 (320.23) was the most "overlooked" provision of the Code".
After running it up the flagpole many times here, I found what to me was an acceptable answer. In most construction today, the members that make up the attic "floor" are considered ceiling joist and are not floor joists so 320.23 is not applicable.
You and the inspectors in your area may not buy that but it kept me from fighting a loosing battle.
For what it's worth, the TN State Electrical supervision has ruled that the area within 6 ft of a scuttle hole OR pull down stairs is one where Romex must be protected.
