I get your point. However it seems like splitting hair to a certain extent.
If a sector has not been done the max flight duty period remains the same
If it would count as a sector, your duty limit might decrease, so i can understand the companies not wanting to count this as a sector.
Just stay within the intended limits!
They may even be asked to extend the duty
They may, but that's when you have to politely say no. Definitely! Too many guys still don't. It really and sincerely eludes me why .....
There has been a dude lately that effectively agreed to do the ORD-DXB sector with 3, after his fellow skipper reported sick.
Imagine this, after a ULR and only 24 hours rest!!!
This is the real self inflicted MORE INSANITY.