True. Further to that, with respect to hovering, whether or not the aircraft can 'do' it should not enter the equation. From a certification standpoint, the cross/downwind limits are dictated by either yaw axis controllability, loads or thermal issues, or all of the above depending on the aircraft.
How these limits find their way into the Flight Manual depends on how much the manufacturer wants to spend in flight test, and how hard the marketing types push for every ounce of performance.
Some aircraft will have a simple limitation, others will have separate charts, or an 'Area B' on the performance charts to take advantage of a headwind component or penalize for an out of wind condition.
The main thing to remember about your question is.... if it's in the 'Limitations' section in the flight manual, you are legally bound to comply. Period. Many operators will modify Normal Procedures or Emergency sections of the RFM in their approved SOPs, but Limitations can't be exceeded.
Did I just answer anything, or was that a rant......?
[ 25 October 2001: Message edited by: CTD ]