How about putting it on the Refs and other NFL authorities for not knowing the condition of the balls, if there was a problem? It's the same as with some of the abuse charges....the NFL should worry about the future, not try to fix the past.
I can make solid argument that it did make a difference. One fumble or one dropped pass against Baltimore in the playoffs, and they lose that game. It was decided on the last drive with the Ravens in the lead through the second half. It wouldn’t have made a damn bit of difference against the Colts, and one would assume they did not pull the same shenanigan at the Super Bowl.
It makes no sense to say it makes no difference in their performance. There’s a reason the rule is there, and there’s a reason the Pats made a signifiant effort to deceive the refs by moving the balls after they are tested into a rest room to do the deed. If it makes no difference that effort would not have been made.