Circumstance bonuses and PL

[baixiwei]

Here's another M&M 3 rules question. Are circumstance bonuses categorically NOT limited by PL? I get the sense this is the case, and for some feats that grant circumstance bonuses, it is explicitly stated (favored environment, favored foe) but for others it is not explicitly stated (e.g. evasion, improved hold). Is there a clear general statement about this somewhere in the rules?

If not, how would you all rule for evasion and improved hold in particular? I'm inclined to say that circumstance bonuses shouldn't be limited by PL, but improved hold might be an exception if anything is ... otherwise we get the grapple hell of 2e which the 3e grapple rules seem designed to avoid. (Of course, this only happens if the initial grab succeeds, but still.)

[Murkglow]

Circumstantial Bonuses, to my knowledge, are never limited by PL, it doesn't matter if the advantage/power/whatever calls this out or not, the fact that the bonus is labeled "circumstantial" is enough. While there isn't a line that outright states this in the handbook (at least nothing is coming to mind) from what I've seen it's generally accepted as such (since it's practically a requirement for some effects, such as Evasion as you mention, to function at all).

As for Improved Hold, that's a penalty to the enemy not a bonus to you so it would never be limited by PL.
If you feel it's too good to use in your game then don't allow it, PL limits wouldn't be an excuse though.