I wonder if "_social_ development" is a word that a lot of Federation case law (and the 47 sub-orders) hinge on.

Interfering with an election is clearly "social", but preventing a natural space disaster (without any contact) shouldn't be.

Or perhaps the latter is in a "if we start here, we'll never stop" category. So it's against the rules, but if you're nearby, you can. But it's against the rules so Starfleet doesn't feel the obligation to go out looking for these situations.