He improved his lie. There was zero chance he was going to get a clean shot at that ball if he didn't improve his lie.

The only part I disagree with is the R&A said his actions were "inadvertent". They were being kind. No chance that was inadvertent. He knew exactly what he was doing when he went stomping through the fescue. He went in there with intention.

Totally a penalty. He earned it. Good on the R&A for not being soft on him.