Recursive execute(x) required to enable nginx to read a directory !??

Hi,

I've noticed something quite odd, but I don't know if the problem come from Linux itself or nginx..

In order to grant nginx access to a directory let say your static see: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/16808813/nginx-serve-static-file-and-got-403-forbidden

These parent directories "/", "/root", "/root/downloads" should give the execute(x) permission to 'www-data' or 'nobody'. i.e.

but it seem not only the direct parent need to be given XX5 but all the chain

for example

 bash

    
example
└── sub1
    └── sub2
        └── static


  

it seem you need to set allow others to read and execute 5 all the parents example, sub1, sub2 Why is that !?? I've found it so akward and unsecure ! is there a workaround ?

Thanks.