D&D 3E/3.5 Lightning Bolt 3.0/3.5 vs older editions

[Vegepygmy]

Because wotc failed to change the rules text, all that is left is to determine what is the primary source. Rules text or a illustration. Diagrams, wotc employees and D&D derivatives like DDM can use the more generous interpretation, but in a RAW argument it will come down to primary source.

There is no conflict in the two statements. One is simply less complete than the other.

"A line-shaped spell affects all creatures in squares that the line passes through." This is a true statement. It also affects all creatures in squares that the line merely touches, but that does not make this statement untrue, merely incomplete.

"All squares through which the line passes or touches are affected by the attack." This is also true and does not contradict the first statement in any way.