it’s bullshit on the league to call a goaltend a judgement call. It’s measurable and clearly defined

It’s absolutely a judgement call. Here is the rule:

During a field goal attempt, touch a ball, which has a chance to score, after it has touched any part of the backboard above ring level, whether the ball is considered on its upward or downward flight.

During a field goal attempt, touch a ball, which has a chance to score, after it has touched the backboard below the ring level and while the ball is on its upward flight.

Whether or not the ball “has a chance to score” is most certainly a judgement call. Typically a pretty easy judgement call, but still a judgement call.