Interesting thoughts, but I don't think that's how it is to be interpreted. When the only datum in the lower segment has a perpendicular relationship to the holes, then there is no difference at all between showing one position symbol vs. two position symbols. You quoted it yourself, saying that "each complete horizontal segment ... may be verified separately." I don't know why you insist it must be a "compound" gage when it clearly says gage them separately!
When they say that the lower segment is always a subset of the upper segment, they mean that the tolerance number of the lower must be a refinement of the upper tolerance. They also mean that any datums referenced in the lower segment must be repeated from the upper, and must be of the same precedence. But it doesn't require you to hold the exact same three points from the upper segment's gage, if it's able to rock. (It's wise to do so, but we're discussing an academic point, I suppose.)
Your interpretation of a supposed difference between one position symbol and two in this case is a novel idea, but I don't think it really holds up. But it might be interesting to hear others chime in on this.
John-Paul Belanger
Certified Sr. GD&T Professional
Geometric Learning Systems