Randy I understand what you're asking about, and I understand all the explanations and opinions offered so far. But I think it's much simpler than that. To me, and I think to the TPGs, the tooled designation applies to the specific action that was done to the coin - amplifying the details with a sharp pointed instrument and or tool. Tooled is one of the few problem designations that actually does that. The only two others that do that are Filed Rims, and Holed/and or Plugged. All of the other problem coin designations, each one covers a variety of causes, actions, results.
As much as I agree with your assessment (I've learned not to argue), I think of "tooling" as the use of some sort of "tool" to enhance the numismatic value of a coin...which, as the OP argues, didn't happen in this case. Yes, it's damaged, but perhaps not in a way where the "enhancement" must be disregarded to accurately assess the coin's value.
While I am satisfied in the explanations offered and understand that a TPG cannot assess the intent of the intent of the person committing the act.... I would be very interested in hearing what @Insider would have to say. Is there a delineation in your mind whether a mark on a coin is a scratch or a tooled surface?