You could also say the meaning intended in this case is 'exact' which fits in with 1 perfect and 5 not comparative. However the word 'recommended' does appear to apply to the entire following phrase.
I have just been reading the Aerad European supplement, not cover to cover you understand, and I do realise it is not a source document, but under ATC and referring to the UK rules, it states 'the UK has adopted the new ICAO VMC criteria. There is one change from ICAO criteria: the requirement to be in sight of the surface for VFR flight below 3000 ft amsl is considered to be unduly restrictive.'
It then goes on to list forward viz and hor and vert dist from cloud for various Airspace classes.
Does this mean that VFR on top is now recognised and allowed?