To address your last point, I just cut three guys that I, nor would anyone else, want absolutely any part of going forward, so why delay the inevitable?
Hernandez, I guess, could be somewhat useful for a playoff team needing a reliever, but nobody is keeping or trading for anyone I just cut. I offered Hernandez before and at the deadline and got nary a nibble. He could've been had for a meaningless pick upgrade.
Obviously, the rule should've rendered this all moot though.