I didn't check, but I think I have the same GDW edition wulfe refers to, which is a late reprint.
All the rules concerning altitude, spinning, experience points etc are covered in an Advanced Rules section, and the manoeuver sheets have speed indicated on the side of each "line" of moves (as they are divided also on the sheets available online), but this is rumored to be a "free addiction" by GDW printers, not related to the original rules.
I read a discussion on the forum by Phil Hall (the game creator), and he stated the rule about speed IS as implemented on the website, as it is not an exact equation of space/time.
I take his word for sure (of course...), but still can understand some problems faced by players who used to play with GDW boardgame (as I used to...).
So, nobody is "wrong"... it is a little "glitch" which adds some flavour to the story of this fantastic game!