It's absolutely true that the "procedure" of waiting to be instructed to switch to ground frequency is inconsistently applied from one US airport to the next. That should be corrected.
And while they're at it, the time is long past due to eliminate the "implied" runway crossing clearance. Explicit clearance to cross each marked runway should be required. Only in this way will pilots always be conditioned to stop for any holding position sign or marking unless specifically cleared to cross that particular runway. Had such a policy been in effect, this particular occurrence and multitudes of others like it could never have happened.
The big runway collision that is nearly sure to happen at some future time under the current policy would be prevented. That's not to say that the elimination of this particular hazardous practice will solve all problems, but it would go along way toward eliminating one very serious hazard with a simple policy change.
Get with the program FAA!
Best,
Westhawk