You interpretation of the intention of "as described above" is 100% correct.
To further clarify -- picking-up-a-plot-point always uses the rules for picking-up-a-plot-point. In other words, there is no shortcut to picking up a plot point when it is sitting on the table.
However...
Players should feel free to identify special plot points prior to the scenario --
No-Drop Plot Point -- This plot point may never be dropped, lost, or passed - even if the character goes down or ko'd.
No-Peril Plot Point -- This Plot Point is
not perilous.
No-Challenge Plot Point -- Any attempt to pick up this plot point is
automatically successful. Although the character must use an action,
no Challenge card is drawn for the plot point.
Unlockable Plot Point -- After being completed by any character, if this Plot Point is dropped it becomes a No-Peril and No-Challenge Plot Point.
You can combine these special rules as you see fit. But I recommend using these special rules sparingly....
Consider this -- in the pulps things are not always as simple as they appear - and
unexpected complications and perils abound. It is always about the action. For example....
Let's say a character is attempting to get a Antidote from a Shady Smuggler. We can say the Antidote is the Plot Point and call the Smuggler the Peril...
So a character beats the Smuggler (peril) and collects the Antidote (plot point).... but as he is moving away he is shot and goes down.
So now the antidote is in plain sight for anyone to grab -- easy, right? But is that really how it would play out in a pulp/serial/action/adventure story?
Nah.... the antidote probably fell into a into a busy street... or down a storm drain... or into a pile of trash... or whatever inconvenient complication you want to say. And now getting it is going to still be a challenge.... but is it dangerous?
Oh yes! ... the smuggler wants it back... or the smuggler's friend wants revenge... or a mangy dog has it in his teeth... or whatever unexpected danger makes sense for the situation.
In my opinion, these kinds of unexpected complications and dangers are at the heart of pulp style stories. Anyhoo, that's why the rules are written that way.
HAVE FUN