As things stand with penalties, the ref makes a decision, var checks it, uses the clear/obvious error excuse to uphold a wrong call/or not, whichever suits them and nobody gets the blame.So, if the ref asks for a penalty check without making a decision himself then there is no decision to uphold,this means that a clear and independent review is made with no pressure to uphold the ref, thus taking away any clear error excuse and putting pressure on the var crew to actually make the right call. This might be enough to force them into making honest decisions, especially if a higher body is set up to oversee var panels performances or such like.