wvmarle:
It is not "some say can do" . It's the manufacturer specified absolute maximum rating as stated in the data sheet. That's the difference. Rumour vs. fact.
An absolute maximum rating generally means that it can be done for short periods of time, but not continuous - though that may work, with enough cooling, or when you're plain lucky with your part. The 20 mA rating is guaranteed to work for continuous use.
Fair enough... but as you even state yourself..
"but not continuous - though that may work"..
Which is why my words were chosen. Some say it is safe to do so.. others say it not very safe to pull 40mA from a single pin.
So if the datasheets says so.. 'may' is not very factual.
Perhaps I should have said 'same say'...... followed by 9but not recommended)