They really do need to add something. I get the feeling that the recent reversal on the matter is because parsers are now reading memory to be more accurate, but this just goes back to further issues with SE. One, parsers wouldn't need to read the memory if the combat log weren't a joke, and two, they said they were going to give us a toolbox to develop addons but haven't mentioned it since. In the absence of official addons and quality combat logs, the only way to get remotely accurate info is through reading the memory.

Ultimately, I think it makes no sense to try to ban the use of parsers. This is especially true given that they want to eventually allow user-generated addons through an official API. We all know that one of the first addons that will be released is going to be a parser if it's at all possible under the API; and if it's not, SE's going to have to deal with a lot of dissatisfaction over the issue. I don't know why they wouldn't just get it out of the way now.