Richard -
Yes, the context of whether an API call is made (Cluster or SVM) matters.
There are other instances I've found where API docs don't match the actual APIs.
I always use system-api-list, as well as the system-get-api-elements to verify APIs and their repective input/output elements.
I hope this response has been helpful to you.
At your service,
Eugene E. Kashpureff, Sr.
Independent NetApp Consultant http://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenekashpureff
Senior NetApp Instructor, IT Learning Solutions http://sg.itls.asia/netapp
(P.S. I appreciate 'kudos' on any helpful posts.)