If I was a newbie, I could be quite confused by now.
Here's the correct answer as I understand it. Usual caveat about please correct me if I'm wrong, etc.
Va does apply to all the primary controls. It always has. The "BUT" is that it only applies to one control surface at a time, and then only for one single full deflection from neutral, as opposed to multiple L-R-L-R inputs.
Wasn't that the lesson from the oft-quoted Airbus rudder accident? Pretty much everyone knew about the first two phrases in bold, but the third was the surprising one. Guess no-one had sat there hammering away at the footrests in turbulence before.
Thanks ForkTailed one - your post very helpful.