Incognito wrote: I read the text of the Earcuff as melee weapons (like my +2 Longsword) should be treated as an additional +1 (just like how the +2 from the Bard's instrument is treated as *additional* and not *total*).
I'm sorry to be so blunt, it's just that I've exhausted all the other ways I can think of to say this. You're reading it incorrectly. Look at the token:
It says, "Melee weapons treated as +1
to overcome DR" Based on your arguments, to me it sounds like you stop reading after the "+1". There's more text after the "+1" and it's very important in explaining how the token works. The token does not say "Melee weapons gain +1" or "Melee weapons are treated as +1". The TDb entry expands on the limited space available on the token and says, "This earcuff does not actually grant a To Hit or Damage bonus".
Furthermore, an Uncommon token should not have the power to make a mundane weapon into a +1 weapon. There is precedent for an Uncommon token to give
either a +1 To Hit
or +1 Damage, but not both.
Incognito wrote: Alternatively, if you want to take the approach that the Earcuff makes it so your items are "+1" total instead of "additional +1," then it could actually be a LIABILITY if you are using a +2 (or that unique +3 Holy Greatsword). Technically speaking under this interpretation, if I am using a +2 Longsword, the Earcuff will make it so that my "melee weapon is treated as +1 to overcome DR" so that it can no longer hurt monsters that require a +2 or a +3.
Using a very literal interpretation of the token text, one could make that argument. One would be wrong, but the argument could be made.
As I know you know, there isn't room on the tokens for verbose descriptions. Jeff tries very hard to control loopholes generated by limited text, but there will likely be situations where it's impossible to account for every possibility. That's why we have the Token Guide, Quick Token Reference, and Token Database. They can elaborate and clarify the function of tokens with effectively limitless space.
Incognito wrote: The token DB says it only affects non-magical weapons (which means a +3 wouldn't be downgraded to a +1) though I haven't actually seen an official ruling to indicate this and it is not indicated at all in the "text" of the token.
Please ask Jeff if he considers the TDb and the rulings & clarifications within to be official.