[Al Skierkiewicz]

You are correct that electrically it would perform the correct protection. But there are still two very good reasons to follow the electrical rules for the robot. The first is inspectors will be happier and secondly, IFI will be more likely to repair damaged units under warrantee when they know they have been used in accordance with the rule book. Remember that the fuse on the spike is nearest the motor and any fault there will not be isolated by several feet of wire (resistance) or the proximity to other bodies that may slow the reaction time of the fuse.
The electrical rules in particular have been well though out and cover as many bases as possible in an attempt to keep your robot running without settting the field on fire.