Hi OK465,
The point I was trying to make is that the landing configuration and the approach climb configuration are a 'pair' linked by the stall speeds. But you are correct, there is indeed a 'waiver'. FAA AC 25-7C "Flight Test Guide" describes it as follows:
Section 25.121(d) requires that the reference stall speed for the approach configuration not exceed 110 percent of the reference stall speed for the related landing configuration. This stall speed ratio requirement is to ensure that an adequate margin above the stall speed in the selected approach configuration is maintained during flap retraction in a go-around. An alternative means of providing an adequate operating speed margin during flap retraction in a go-around would be to increase VREF for the landing configuration to provide an equivalent operating speed margin. That is, VREF could be increased such that the reference stall speed for the approach configuration does not exceed 110 percent of VREF/1.23. An equivalent level of safety finding should be used to document the use of this alternative versus direct compliance with § 25.121(d). To maintain equivalent safety, the increase in VREF should not be excessive (for example, greater than 5 knots) to minimize the effect on safety of longer landing distances, higher brake energy demands, and reduced margins between VREF and VFE.