Who decided "verbal is binding" as the best way to determine a bet or raise ?

[Nick C]

I don't expect to change a rule that's been in existence forever. However, the more I experience the problems created by unintentional verbal declarations, the more I wonder if "verbal" should have precedence over deliberate forward motion of chips, or release of chips into the betting area.

I wonder if Bob Ciaffone even knows where "Verbal Is Binding" originated?