Seems like they should use detailed section numbering like military documents and laws. Referring by page number seems very course by comparison.
The problem with this: you need to create a new standard, get everybody to agree to it, and get busy scientists who are concentrating on content and not representation to adapt this new standard in their writing, essentially requiring them to change their habits and spend extra time on writing (which many of them hate), for no obvious gain from their point of view.
I am not saying it's not possible, or not worth it, but it is not easy and simple either.