Proposed resolution:
This wording is relative to N4988.
Modify [linalg.general] as indicated:
-4- For any function F that takes a parameter named t, t applies to accesses done through the parameter preceding t in the parameter list of F. Let m be such an access-modified function parameter. F will only access the triangle of m specified by t. For accesses of diagonal elements m[i, i], F will use the value real-if-needed(m[i, i]) if the name of F starts with hermitian. For accesses m[i, j] outside the triangle specified by t, F will use the value […]