I don't believe your statement is factual. USGA sets the field at 156. If you give a special exemption then the possible qualifiers go down one so giving Tiger a special exemption does take a spot away from someone.
Just add Whan to the list of people in golf who need to go. Checking the list of exemptions, the last is a "special exemption". Since Tiger can't meet the handicap requirements any more, it has to be extra special.
Hmmm Rory stiffs the DP World Tour but then gets exemption so he can still play the Ryder Cup. Playing the PGAT full time and living in Florida. I wouldn't take anything this guys says with a whole lot of confidence.