sIx, you keep mixing the hypothetical with the real.   When you exaggerate, you lose the point of the discussion. You are trying to twist the rule to meet your preconceived notion of the policy.

In the case of the elderly employee that you mentioned, you said the woman was "written up".   Did she receive the policy? Did she follow it?   Was she given a verbal warning? IF she was hauled into the HR department and written up without being forewarned, than I do agree with you - it was wrong.   HOWEVER, if she was previously made aware of the policy and violated it, then it sounds like they took the proper action. It would probably be the same treatment she would have received if she lit up a cigarette.

The purpose of "scent free" is not to eliminate all smells. In fact, many places are calling their programs "scent-reduced". The idea is to avoid the chemicals, not the smell of a flower. I am sure you won't be arrested the next time you pass gas in public. If you wear a rose, you won't be arrested.

These are the same arguments that were raised when smoking was "banned".   There are still some old farts that whine about that. The ones who won't have a problem are usually the young, especially children who will be taught the proper respect of others from the start.