I think you are contradicting yourself. Your last paragraph is sensible but therefore, I don't think your first paragraph makes sense ('The punters need our advice and we cant tell them we cant advise because the guidelines are unclear.....').
Moreover, I can't see the reason for your preoccupation with the form of sedation/anaesthesia available. I'm sure either procedure (open or endo) will be done in the best way possible depending on where the OP will be treated.
You are not the only medically qualified person giving advice on these boards and there is no need to be contrary just for the sake. Like you said, ask two doctors and get three opinions, and your opinion is not the correct one by default.