Final clarification on Trader card

[acriku]

This came up in a game last night. A level 9 munchkin was fighting a really low monster and looked like he was going to win. However, a trader saw that the top discard was the Mind Control Gas card which would remove the monster and leave its treasure.

He opted to do so, however a player mentioned that a Trader cannot use his ability during the combat because the card says "You may not do this during combat." Arguments ensued concerning whether or not that meant during the combat of the Trader or during anyone's combat.

I searched the forums and it looks like MunchkinMan had one idea - http://forums.sjgames.com/showpost.p...85&postcount=2

and Andrew had another (however "quick and dirty") - http://forums.sjgames.com/showpost.p...7&postcount=11

Since Andrew's post is 3 years after, and I assume the final say, is this the official ruling?