Not always true Jack. All 3 types of locks we have can have the key removed with the lock unlocked. In fact one of them remains in the unlocked position with the key removed, and you can not lock it back up without first inserting the key.
Sounds to me that the conductor reported the switch "lined and locked" to the dispatcher, but it was lined the wrong way. The dispatcher had no way of knowing that with the signal system suspended. He was relying on the info provided by the conductor.....but once again he shoulda briefed with his entire crew before reporting that to the dispatcher.
