Not saying you are wrong David. But that interpretation brings up lots of questions in my mind. I appreciate all the time you have already given this.
And 220.50 directs you to 430.24, which is for Several Motors or a Motor(s) and Other Load(s), which is what you have.
I don't believe that is true. I have a piece of refrigeration equipment. The multiple motors 430 is talking about are standalone motors that are being connected to the same circuit by the electrician. Not a packaged unit that is assembled by the manufacturer that then puts a nameplate on the entire unit.
In 430.1 there is a FPN#1 says ... A/C and refrigerating equipment are covered in Article 440.
In addition, 440.1 Scope says
The provisions of this article apply to electric motor-driven air-conditioning and refrigerating equipment and to the BRANCH CIRCUITS and controller for such equipment.
Yes it does. And 220.50 says to use those rules to size your feeders and services for A/C equipment
430.1 scope does not refer to services. But in 220.50 it directs us to 430 for our service sizing requirements when we have motors.
Why would the same not apply to 440.6 when 220.50 directs us there for feeders and services?
In addition, 440.3(A) Article 430 says
These provisions are in addition to, or amendatory of, the provisions of Article 430 and other articles in the Code, which apply except as modified in this article.
Yes, and 440.6 specifically amends what 430 says, so they take precedence over article 430
If I have a dishwashing machine. I don't try and figure out the FLA of the motor for water pump, the Amps of the heating element, the fla of the possible garbage disposal motor, the control circuits, etc. It is an appliance and they give me a completed nameplate value for it. 440 seems to do the same for packaged hvac eqiupment.