FWIW, this is what I believe occurred after the Richmond race:
NASCAR: You guys are pushing the limits.
RCR: But we’re not illegal.
NASCAR: No, you’re not, but you’re close, so you should get less close.
After the New Hampshire race:
NASCAR: You’re illegal now.
RCR: It’s because we got bumped!
NASCAR: Tough.
In other words, NASCAR believes RCR was pushing the limits, and is irritated that they didn’t back off from the limits after being warned. That’s why they came down so hard on them.
If they had backed off the limits, and gotten hit, and then had been beyond tolerance, I don’t think they would have gotten penalized.
I think it’s more like Toyota offered Bane France big money for a championship and no I didn’t misspell Bane. Look it up...
Sounds like a winner to me!