I was out yesterday and haven't gone back to read through the comments, but I think MLB should amend the rule, which would eliminate the grey area altogether. My proposed change is the catcher can't block the plate at any point or time (and if it's not already, I'd make this apply to any fielder at any base). Why can't catchers straddle the plate and tag a runner like fielders do at 2nd and 3rd? Why on earth would we allow a catcher who's in full gear 'block' the plate from the runner (after he has the ball) if the runner is not allowed to run him over?
Currently, the catcher is allowed to use his body (covered in armor) to prevent the runner from getting to the plate, but all the runner can do is slide into him (or try and go around him) and hope for the best? That is f***ing stupid.
I've said this consistently since they eliminated the take out slides at 2nd base. Baseball doesn't need violence to be entertaining - it simply doesn't. The elimination of the take out slide has proven this as you hear next to nothing about it these days. People complained it would ruin/pussify baseball for like a month and that's all I've heard about it since. Nobody misses it. Just because we allowed stupid things to happen for a long time doesn't mean we should continue to allow them.
MLB should eliminate blocking the plate or any base at any time.