It also means that when a school offers a scholarship, verbally or written, that a player can accept that scholarship without worrying about being left out in the cold at some later date. Only offer scholarships to prospects who are eligible to accept them. Only accept scholarships when you are certain of your decision. This solution is long on idealism and short on realism, which is a problem. It's also probably far too civilized.
Prospects are always fair game.
It ain't over 'til it's over. I don't really have a problem with it, until someone complains. Once the finger pointing begins, well, you know what they say about pointing fingers three fingers point back at you. Coach Beamer spent a fair amount of time crying and pointing fingers three years ago. It now appears he's changed his mind about how to recruit these days, though he's not being innovative by following the masses.