Ok, so here is another version.
Let's say during a descent on a STAR, ATC clears the aircraft direct to a fix towards the end of the STAR. If now there was an intermediate level restriction printed on the STAR plate would the aircraft have to meet the level restriction when passing abeam the fix?
The way I would see it is that the general STAR conditions still apply. Being cleared direct to point "XYZ" would not lift any other level or speed restrictions along the abeam points.
Any views, comments?