Ray,
I know I'll be corrected if I"m wrong here but.....
I'm pretty sure the tables and limitations you mention apply to the qualification of WPS and not Welder Performance.
I'm pretty sure if a welder passes a performance qualification on one D.1.1 group that person is qualified for all groups.... The limitations will be on position, process, thickess and other essencial variables listed for welder performance quals.
Do not confuse a weldor qualification with PQR/WPS qualification or a prequalified (by section 3) WPS.
Weldor qual essential variables are found on Table 4.12 see also 4.22. This allows a test (within the range of D1.1 - 1.2 & Table 3.1 / Table 4.9 to weld with in the: 1) Process, 2) SMAW F-number, 3) Position, 4) Diameter/thickness, 5) Vertical Direction of Progression, 6) Backing used, and 7) Number of Electrodes, as used during the performance test. See also Table 4.10 & Table 4.11
But note even though the weldor has passed "a test" for it does not mean he/she can now do it. A proper Pre Qual or by PQR - WPS must be in hand (restrictions upon the welding process, position etc.) for the weldor to perform the weld. (I even use a Weldor Qualification WPS separate from the shop/field WPSs. This allows a limit what a weldor can do even during a performance test, "can he/she follow directions")