Quote Originally Posted by Kuma Kode View Post
This is exactly my point. Unless specifically stated otherwise, a 5-foot step is five feet. It is its own special action with particular rules. It's the specific vs. generic thing. General adjustments to movement do not modify the specifics of that particular action unless they specifically state otherwise. Downward speed is "doubled", but it does not specifically state that is also doubles 5' steps. Ergo, your 5' step is limited to five feet, even when moving down.
Your force me to quote Oriental Adventures, that says the same thing with a different wording, but a very explicit wording that says it's a 5-foot step.
Quote Originally Posted by Oriental Adventures, Tumble, page 68
Move 10 feet as a “5-foot step,” while also performing a full-round action during the round (such as a full attack). In melee, you might do a back flip over your opponent’s head to get on his other side. This move never provokes an attack of opportunity—it is exactly equivalent to a 5-foot step, except for the distance covered.
Emphasis mine.