That said, I hardly ever remember seeing a referee raise his arm to call the spot before signalling a touchdown -- they always just signal touchdown.
So in that sense it does lead one to believe he was moving to spot the ball, and can lead to the interpretation that he did not call the TD until he saw the ball laying in the Endzone.
Also, let me clear up some earlier statements -- I know I have been arguing that the ball crossed the plane -- I personally believe it did. However, the photos shown on this thread and even watching it live it is truly inclonclusive -- a person will see what they see, and then will defend that position, especially on a play that is so inconclusive. If the Ref had spotted the ball at the one inch line, I would have upheld the call if I were the reviewer. Just as I would have upheld the call of a TD if I were the reviewer. You just honestly cannot tell, so whatever the Ref on the field calls is going to stand.
The problem then arises in the Refs mixed signals and slow call of the play.
Exactly, the ref gave them the TD because Ben wisely slide the ball forward after he was down. I stated that yesterday, but was ripped a new one by a few Pittsburgh fans who can't admit the ref was fooled by Ben. It was a great play by Ben. Players do stuff all the time to try fool the refs. Nothing wrong with that, it is part of the game.
I would have had to uphold the call on the field as well. I don't think he made it, but opinions are like... well - You know the saying! ;-P
With regard to the line judge: I rarely (if ever) have seen the ref run in like that to signal TD. The only was I can reconcile the action is if he was trying to run in to make sure the ball was still in the player's possession - a line of reasoning that I haven't heard anything about.