When mine was certified in '98, the exact quote was "normal cruise" less
than...? 200kts?. 

Au Contraire, the limit for small numbers is 180 KIAS "cruise" speed.  A Lancarian once had a ramp check on a 360 just out of the paint shop where the "inspector" would not let the  aircraft fly unless it had foot high numbers on it.  His reasoning, the Green line of the airspeed indicator went above 180 Kts.  The owner, in a deal with his own FSDO, had to alter his POH and the green line to below 180.

 

I indeed have small numbers on my 320 and would use the following argument if ramp checked:

 

 cruise    ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (krz)
v. cruised, cruis·ing, cruis·es
v. intr.

1. To sail or travel about, as for pleasure or reconnaissance.
2. To go or move along, especially in an unhurried or unconcerned fashion.............:
3. To travel at a constant speed or at a speed providing maximum operating efficiency for a sustained period.

I would emphasize "c." and then argue that the max operating efficiency is below 180 KIAS (close to, but below).

 

I do not see how a Legacy equipped with a 300 HP engine could ever claim that a sluggish 180 Kts was the max operating efficiency.

 

Good Luck at any future ramp check.