In N3, Protheion had explicit rules text (not just an example) that stated that it works with coup de grace. In N4, that portion was removed. Furthermore, in N4, coup de grace is mandatory, and you can't choose to swing at an unconscious model using normal CC attack resolution. Both of those combine to make it not really directly comparable. But all of this is wildly off topic from this thread, unless your entire purpose is to argue against the fact that IJW has an authoritative position given his role as a member of the Infinity rules team.
The conflict is between the rules and the rules. Protheion says it works with CC attacks, CdG kinda-sorta does wounds (it did in N3, apparently, technically, with the same wording), the example resolves the discrepancy.
This is N4 not N3 so you should not bring N3 knowledge in the N4 rules as it may create misconceptions, I know it is a bit hard it happens to all of us. The point you miss in the Protheion answer is there is no mechanism in go to dead state that says "get as many wounds as it is needed to enter dead state" this may or may not change in the future, but as of now beyond an example that is a copy paste from N3, there is no mechanism that allows that.
Stepping back from the CdG question, can I get some clarity on _when_ Ian's words are to be taken as rules replacement/clarification text? Ian's pretty good about responding to all kinds of rules questions, but not always within threads with interim rules FAQ titles. Are those also to be treated as the "considered, discussed across the team" rules by default, or are they some other tier between "rules team decision" and "random thing that some guy who posts on the forum alot thinks?"
I believe in some thread that he recently commented he will be better going forwards about marking official rulings as distinct from general conversation.
Yes, like PS uses red text, IJW said he'll have a bright, bold header on official answers versus him walking us through the thinking.
Since HellLois and CB staff were out of the office last week for Semana Santa, no word. My personal thought is that something in the same vein is highly likely. However, that is entirely opinion and speculation. We'll have to see.
So if I post less I should be taken more seriously? :p ...actually, on these forums that might not be a bad policy...
No, that a rules authority who mostly posts only rules answers has far less need to have a way to distinguish themself than of a person who posts rules answers and just general conversation. Ijw posts here more than just as a rules authority. Helllois does not.
To give a better/ clearer experience we will try what is suggested on this thread from here on, if from feedback, texts should be coloured or something else we will adapt to create a clearer and better form, for now though, lets try this format.