I said in the game thread, the only explanation I can think for the Pierce foul that doesn't involve Salvatore or the league being crooked is that it was a veteran's response to the league for calling out the refs on the Fisher foul. The refs had to be embarrassed that the league didn't support their guy on a call that, like the players said, usually doesn't get called there.
Basically a ref with a big ego gets annoyed and says "according to the rulebook, that could be called on the offensive player just as easily for initiating the contact" and then enforces it that way at the next opportunity. I can easily see Salvatore putting his ego ahead of the league and doing exactly that, as his snotty little way of making a point.
I still think Salvatore should be suspended for the Finals at the very least, and possibly further. Sadly, I don't think that's a firable offense, especially since the other refs would revolt to some degree seeing one of their own getting fired for a call in response to Fisher. I don't think the NBA would want to stir up that can of worms.
Still, WE WON!!!! Despite the bad refs, despite the road...we're in the Finals!!