I share your pain
No. It's index. Can only be exercised at exp. They object to DITM spreads when an OTM equivalent spread is available which does not require an offset prior to the close. They MUST close him out before the bell or he will be holding the long option naked with no monies.
Doofus' doesn't cover before the close -> short leg assigned to cash -> he's got debit risk on 5 lot NDX. 5 lot. With a few hundred net liq. He could be carrying $100K in long premo.
I swear that I am done with you. Please Lord, let it happen.