I think I've made substantial deviations from what was officially allowed at every job I've spent significant time at to the employers ultimate benefit and with

I think I've made substantial deviations from what was officially allowed at every job I've spent significant time at to the employers ultimate benefit and with employer support. If it is the right decision for everyone AND your employer wont fire you for doing it then you have the power to do it regardless of what guidelines say. The guidelines are written in the hopes of achieving ends not as an end in themselves.