D&D 5E Bad Sage Advice?

[Cap'n Kobold]

The problem I have with this particular ruling is that the entire rule set is using common language, not technical jargon or keyword phrases. Yet here we're saying that suddenly we're supposed to be using technical jargon and an exact keyword phrase. Since we don't use the exact same phrase used in the general rule, the "specific" rule overrides the general.

That is the downside of some of the user base unfortunately. They will insist on a legalistic interpretation of RAW. I'd guess since RAW is the only common ground between disparate groups, including all the AL groups, the official interpretation was decided to be RAW-based.

If you ask the designers through another medium, they may well tell you what was intended, or a suggestion for a more common-sense approach.

Which is why I take Sage Advice as just advice and make my own rulings.

Likewise.