Though, really, anyone reading this should be using the "assign your stats as you please" rule anyway. Maybe it should be in the phrasing instead:
If this is your first time playing this class assign 17, 15, 13 to Strength, Consitution, and Dexterity, then assign 11, 9, 8 to your remaining stats. If you've played this class before assign 17, 15, 13, 11, 9, 8 as you please.