osprey I am pretty sure you are reading what you are typing, but I am also pretty sure you are not reading a word I am typing.
I read the same line you do that states 2 strain for a second maneuver
I read the same line you do that states you can downgrade an action to a maneuver
I disagree that the second line means you don't pay the 2 strain.
You can re type your lines 10000 times, that is not going to add "you do not pay the 2 strain" to "you can downgrade an action to a maneuver".
It is fully clear that I am seeing an issue that others don't, but I do see an issue, and there IS an issue.
Words are missing. If it stated "The only cost is the downgrade of the action to a maneuver" or "it does not cost strain", nothing any "fan" types matters.
Look up actions in the book, it is there, follow the directions I the () to it, I am no longer going to have this discussion with you as you seem to refuse to do your research and want to ignore the actual cut and paste that I have done straight out of the book. Ask the Devs your question and please post the answer here and I will bet my left nut that they will say the same thing as everyone else. To include the play testers that have been chosen by FFG that answered your insistent questioning of this rule. Look at the people that have been around d for years that have answered you the same way. Most of them have credits in the books for play testing.