It seems to me that the documentation templates have changed within the life of this thread. I think that this has coincided with /e/ being made available in R and S in a very close time frame.
I do not want to word this in any way to encourage others to deviate from /e/ written instructions – more to encourage users to report errors. (Perhaps Report an issue against documentation or help others with an entry in the #ewiki:documentation-suggestions section for the device.)
I believe the following “previously seen” caution covers the risks.
Caution: Do not install /e/OS on top of a higher version of stock OS. Before installing /e/OS ensure your device has the latest stock OS of the same version as /e/OS. If only lower versions of the stock are available then install the last available lower version before installing /e/OS.
My personal view is that in removing a “General caution” and replacing it with a “Specific caution” /e/ has created a maintenance problem.