Yeah it would change the Game maybe a bit. Pushing Dear for example might become more common because of less fear of getting lamed (some people might Idle their Scout at their Boar atm instead of pushing to protect it), but other then that not much of a change if we talk about a normal balanced Game in which no Lame happens.
The Scouting Argument doesnt make much sense imo, because you still need to Scout your map to find your Gold, Stone as well as Woodlines. You could basicly say already that you are just scouting for these things and happen to find your Sheeps while doing that because they are in the Area.
Also as said Laming as a strategy to delay is just not good, because its to strong. To much gain for as explained before no real risk, which makes it op.
If you wanna delay your Enemy you can do a Drush, its a fair way to delay because a Drush needs an investment on your side. Damage with an investment is a good balanced Game mechanic, but Damage without any meaningful investment just breaks the balancing of the Game and makes it non competitive.