Indeed. To be fair, in the unfortunate example you mention, it is fairly clear which represents the more likely hazard (withoutthe benefit of hindsight) - not to mention the impracticality of earthing every metal hook, screw or other fitting which penetrates the wall of a building.As you can see, there is always a very unlikely scenario why the situation would be better had it been done differently. However, I don't think anyone would advocate earthing a metal hook and leaving the washing machine unearthed 'just in case'. The safety of electrical installations is a compromise based on the likeliest hazard.
The bath situation is much more finely balanced - and relies on a judgement/ opinion as to which is the more likely of two types of incident, both of which are incredibly unlikely to ever happen in any given house - hence the fact that opinions vary, at least to some extent.
Kind Regards, John