:::::Sure, there's always a chance. Yes, many editors do think the  tags make the "reference" that the boxed numbers link to.  But that is incorrect, and it has led to profound confusion as to what citations (references) are and where they can be placed.  I agree with the general requirement for consistency; the question is whether exceptions are forbidden. This could be finessed by arguing that something like  "Robert Simpson and Alan Cox (1977)" is not a citation (or not a proper citation?), but that seems, ah, petty?  My thinking is that where ever "Robert Simpson and Alan Cox" is acceptable "Simpson & Cox" should be equally acceptable.  I suspect that one element here is that inclusion of first names gives the text a friendlier, less formal tone. However, this goes against the expectation of many editors that an encyclopedia should have a formal, "academic" tone. ~