So either the Diagram is in error or I've gravely misunderstood the text.
The diagram is okay!
So, to be clear, a pawn arriving on rank 2 or 8 has a choice of promotion?
Why is the description interpreted in this way? A pawn that reaches ranks 2 or 8 is promoted (unconditionally); the choice is whether to enter ranks 2 or 8 straight ahead or to the right/left. Depending on the direction, he is promoted; the direction is the choice.
— even to amazonrider on the e file desptie the text specifying no recharging on that file.
Does it say anywhere that recharging is excluded on the e-file?
The diagram is okay!
Why is the description interpreted in this way? A pawn that reaches ranks 2 or 8 is promoted (unconditionally); the choice is whether to enter ranks 2 or 8 straight ahead or to the right/left. Depending on the direction, he is promoted; the direction is the choice.
Does it say anywhere that recharging is excluded on the e-file?