BJ,
Used to know people in Dallas, visited there a couple of times. Beautiful logging, hunting country. Not as far of a move as mine to AZ
Anyway, in the codes sometimes we try to make too much of certain items and tend to look for the code to get very specific. Sometimes the answer is simpler than we tend to think at first glance.
First, Sentence structure is critical in all communication. The separation of the three welding qualifications by commas is our first indication we have divisions beyond a single test that qualifies all in actual application.
Second, the code defines itself when we go to Annex 'K' Terms and Definitions. There we get the clear distinction between the two classes as applicable to this code. Welders: semi and manual; Welding Operators: Mech, Auto, robotic.
Third, while the code refers you to the same Table for general guidelines in what is required in testing, it also takes you to two distinctly different tests depending upon application to which test to prepare the coupons, see Clause 4.20.1.2 and then the various Figures.
Now, I understand your query. It is not nearly as clear as it could be and probably not as clear as it should be. Thus it would be nice if there were a brief distinction made in the text of the code.
I also looked for it in application to the combination of process and type. Not in definitions, not in code text, or anywhere else I could think of.
While you need a WPS to test to, you are not restricted to welding in production to only that WPS. In fact, it is not necessarily a production WPS that is used. Only one set up to test the welder at parameters that the Contractor is wanting to make sure you can perform at.
I hope my rambling helped.
He Is In Control, Have a Great Day, Brent