Maybe get rid of the referees altogether and replace them with something else, for example umpires.
I also noticed, that you did not answer the question as to which of the referee's decisions was the correct one.
I know you love the game, and I know you think challenging the integrity of the referees is the wrong way to go about improving the game, but many of us are of the opinion that criticism can bring improvement. However, in the current game Refs are beyond reproach. Klein made a mistake, and rather than owning up to it, he flubbed it completely. He won't face much of anything for this instance, and that is passively enabling him to continue with his poor judgements and not improve.
It could have cost the Broncos the game. It did not, but it could have. The intent is constructive criticism in the hopes of improving the game. The whole conspiracy side of things is just spice and a form of pressure towards making the league work towards eliminating these suspicions. I.e., get rid of the stink of betting agencies, honestly and critically assess referee performances instead of reactionary justifications of their errors, etc.
If the MRC thought Payne's tackle was borderline wouldn't they have graded him lower than Ezra? Seems like it's not worth the risk of losing him another week to me. One week is okay. I thought it would be worse.
No one seems to understand how to grade these tackles. Least of all us fans. I guess, in your argument's favour if the Broncos were to be successfully in downgrading Payne, it might set a precedent. And, accepting it would also set a precedent.
If I were to try to form an opinion on this it would that the coaches and officials have a round table on what they hope to achieve with this and determine if it's fair and even possible.
I think here you provide a good example of how the NRL really does need to improve. We, the fans, deserve to be better informed, and I hope the MRC provides a thorough analysis of these rulings. That way we will be able to know when our team will be fairly punished or not.
Your solution is a good one, and it is a good democratic way of solving the problem. However, as was pointed out earlier, the hip drop has been identified in the game for years now. It was issued as a memorandum at the beginning of the season, and we are now seeing a crackdown. A crackdown that is being poorly carried out in a reactionary manner and with little transparency. The NRL should have immediately requested this round table and nailed the details precisely.
The hip drop will, this season at least, be applied inconsistently, randomly, and with very little understanding overall if this continues. It will affect results, and therefore careers. For example, if Broncos lose next week, will we know it was due to Haas' absence? If Haas does challenge, will we know he was never going to win the Dally M? If a lesser-known player is suspended, will his performance that season be assessed differently due to playing less games, and will that affect potential contract negotiations?