Holding the flag whilst putting out

Well, the player has removed the flagstick (as allowed) and are still not using it for support or to help them in any way make the stroke (presumably). So, I can't see there being any different ruling to the example provided in the Interpretations.

I take the example given (holding the flag) as being the extreme example of what is allowed under the rule to show what is not allowed (using it to support). Just having a flag leaning on my shoulder is very clearly going to provide less support than holding the flag if there was any suggestion I was using the flag for support. The rules and clarifications almost always make sense to me if I take the scenario to an extreme.