I disagree, if you do not play it as the designer envisioned but he did not state explicitly in SSR by careless omission, then you have wasted time the play test, which is of little benefit to the designer. A quick exchange of emails should clarify it.
In an ideal world, yes, that would be the correct thing to do, and by implication, I assumed that somehow that had been considered and rejected as an option.
Otherwise, why even bother asking the question in a public forum when it can be assumed you are in electronic contact with the designer?
Just what should be the correct SSR wording to ensure it is played correctly is another kettle of fish, and if the question is being raised, arguably the designer is the wrong person to ask.