(Answered) Non-Template Radius - Where do we measure ECM from?

[GoldBishop]

Recently a couple players have come into dispute on where ECM radius (and other abilities that use a "radius" instead of a template) begin taking their respective measurements.

Two camps in the matter stemming from Area of Effect.  Players are trying to measure from:
- Center Point (unit or base "center")
- Unit's Edge or Base (effective footprint edge in any direction)

Area of Effect (AoE) – An area of effect refers to a circle around a center point that may be affected by certain weapons or items.  Areas of effect are almost always represented on terrain
maps by circular templates defined by their diameter (in inches)....

We are wondering if/what "almost always" is inferring, as if to deviate from the suggested "center-point" and use the players edge for any instances that lack a template.
Ex. ECM uses a 12" radius.  Since there is not a 24" template, a player measures their effective ECM radius from the edge of their base rather than the center-point.

sources:
AS p.8 [Area of Effect (under Common game terms) w/ Errata],  p.46 [ECM]
AS:CE p.27 [Area of Effect (under common game terms)],  p.77 [ECM] 

[nckestrel]

There is no such thing as a radius from a hex side.
Area of effects are always circles. 
There may or may not be a template, but it’s always a circle on a center point.

[GoldBishop]

Going forward, since we're measuring an AoE from a center-point on a given base, does the base size affect the area affected at all?
Example: would an ECM being broadcast on a Protomech (1" hex base) be any different than one being projected by a superheavy (1.5~2" base)?

[nckestrel]

No.  There's no rule saying ECM or AoE's are affected by base size.

[GoldBishop]

Ok, thank you.

I have nothing to submit, but if someone on the MUL team could address and clarify the intent of the words "almost always" that would be appreciated greatly.

[nckestrel]

I thought I just did?

"Areas of effect are almost always represented on terrain maps by circular templates defined by their diameter (in inches)"
Sometimes there is an area of effect with no preprinted template.  It still works exactly the same way.  The lack of a preprinted template doesn't change the rules.

[GoldBishop]

You did answer it.  No dispute; the matter is considered resolved.

I am merely requesting a more comprehensive interpretation edit (or perhaps the omission) of "almost always" [in a future printing or errata]* on behalf of anyone who might have ever (or continues to) consider those words avenue into using a different part of the rules in order to measure non-existing templates by (the interpretation/confusion came from players with a variety of other gaming backgrounds - none of which are influenced or controlled by Alpha Strike or Battletech - but whose rules still drove their argument at the time).

*edited for clarity