“This also includes bumping very o…”
You do see the "this also includes? Let me give a real clue. The first few words, “the act of posting”. In otherwords, posting in a dead thread, whether if it on topic or just a bump, is actually considered spamming.
I’ll put in an another way, yes, people have been actioned for it too in the past. That rule has not changed.
I touched on that point. They also included the words “for no reason”, so if you have a reason (like something to contribute to the topic or whatever) it’s not spam. 
Old threads autolock on every other Blizzard game forum but this one. So, it’s apparently a big enough offense in Blizzard’s reckoning it should be applied here as well.
Because it’s Orctang, and they like to say factually incorrect things, and then dig their heels in for weeks.
I don’t think you understand the rule at all. Even if you have a reason, and you contribute to the topic, it is still a necro. Bumping threads aren’t limited to just “bump” or derailed post. That rule basically covers reviving all long dead threads.
Have you honestly ever seen a year or more old thread bumped on this forum for a legitimate reason because I sure haven’t.
That is true. I should’ve realized. Can I use “I am tired though” as a reason for not realizing it?
I use the I’m tired excuse all the time.
Thanks Tovi.
It is midnight here, so I should use it more often, even in the middle of the day too 
I just tease if it’s been necro’d just to cause problems. If its legit I answer the question.
Middle of the day is the optimal time to use it.
Necro’ing feels more like a grey area in practice, and the wording in the sticky backs me up.
If you want to necro an old thread, go for it. Don’t blame the community if action gets taken against you for necro’ing a dead thread.
I wasn’t planning on necro’ing an old thread. 
I’m just saying based on the wording, it’s not outright banned, just discouraged.
It is not exactly discouraged, but is an actionable offense, and the severity determinds on whether the post just gets removed, or whether you get a forum silence.
Though I think this mostly comes down to the moderation to determind on what actions to take I should correct.
It continually confuses me why Blizzard doesn’t enable auto locking of old threads on this forum.
You may. I find that excuse works best at ~2:00p most days.
Sure, if you want to take that chance.