There is a whole thread already discussing this question. And while I agree that the intent of the update was to allow fasteners to protrude, the words don't say that.
I believe that the GDC wants to maintain a certain "mystique" about themselves and the answers they give.
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This forum is intended for rule clarification. To maintain the mystique of the process, we typically refrain from answering "why" questions about game design decisions.
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So they tend to be oblique in their answers. If they intend to allow fasteners to protrude, why say something like:
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<R16> During normal operation no part of the ROBOT shall extend outside the vertical projection of the FRAME PERIMETER, with the following exceptions: projections permitted by Rule <G30>, and minor protrusions such as bolt heads, fastener ends, rivets etc.
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At any rate, if you exclude the fasteners from the determination of the frame perimeter, then said perimeter is defined by the frame members. Anything outside the frame members is, by definition, outside the frame perimeter. The frame perimeter is defined by the outermost vertices on the robot, exclusive of fasteners.
So, any way you want to read it, regardless of intent, it says that ANYTHING outside the frame perimeter is illegal, except as allowed by <G30>. But, <R07> D states that clearance pockets are allowed in the bumper backing for bolt heads etc. so, even though the rules state that it is illegal for fasteners to protrude, it is legal to include clearance pockets for the illegal bolt heads.
For the sake of clarity, I will ask the question more specifically on the forums. I hope that they will be more clear in their answer. This late in the season, the time for mystique has passed. Teams need to know, clearly, what the rules are so they can finish their robot.