This assumes people are very stupid, no? Like, as if they wouldn't know what was happening and just had to let it happen?

I realize US politics may suggest otherwise but I can't imagine the military is just gonna stand by and entertain such a farce..

I think you therefore agree with my reductio ad absurdum argument against the GP's claim. Changing maritime law to prohibit free roaming over "important cables" would be a farce. Therefore, the absence of such a law is not "the issue"