Unfortunately your simple fact is neither simple or a fact. Refs are told to treat hand balls differently depending on whether its attack or defence. If an attacker handles the ball either intentionally or not in the build up to a goal then it's an automatic free kick. If a defender handles then account is taken about the intention, just like it always has been, and as it should be. This stops strikers punting it at defenders arms from 2 yards, and defenders having to defend in the box with their arms behind their backs. I think they've got it about right.