Excess parenthesis in text layout algorithm? ("Position on path" part)

[fsoder]

In the "11.5. Text layout – Algorithm" [1], step 8.5.1.2.4, which reads:

Let offset be the value of the ‘textPath’ element's ‘startOffset’ attribute, adjusted due to any ‘pathLength’ attribute on the referenced element (if the referenced element is a ‘path’ element).

there's an additional restriction placed on when 'pathLength' applies ("if the referenced element is a ‘path’ element"). This restrictions seems to stem from the initial landing of the text layout algorithm. However (IIRC), since then all the basic shape elements gained 'pathLength' powers. Maybe this restriction (parenthesis) should be dropped?

[1] https://svgwg.org/svg2-draft/text.html#TextLayoutAlgorithm

[boggydigital]

Not blocking updated 2.0 CR publication - assigning 2.0 Recommendation milestone to clean this up before 2.0 REC

[Tavmjong]

Yes, the parenthesis and text within should be dropped.

A test of Firefox and Chrome shows that they have implemented 'pathLength' on shapes (tested with 'stroke-dasharray' in both and also with 'startOffset' in Firefox 62).

[Tavmjong]

Tests: web-platform-tests/wpt#11712
Spec: #476