Drive By Wire

[Stewart Way]

Larry
I could be wrong but I read the 2009 rule different that you are. It does not rule out DBW. It states that "electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, or any other device may in noway effect the initial throttle operation.". That is followed by DBW. The key word is initial, or first, operation. That required initial operation is the drivers foot pressing the pedal. After that motion there is no rule barring electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic. The same rule paragraph even speaks of the use of hydraulic specifically.
That said, what is not allowed except in the Super classes is the "use of....electronics to modulate the throttle after initial launch.". There is the problem, how to prove that is or isn't being done. As Ed points out, you can slow the car with the MSD , or I imagine with the on board computer, just not electronically with the throttle AFTER the initial hit. Having 100% pedal being 100% or 80% or 60% throttle position is legal, but you have to pick one and use it the whole run. Timing is a different story.
The key will be how the 2011 rule reads after the January revisions. Speak now to NHRA.
As usual, my disclaimer. "I could be wrong".