HI Thomas
As I know ,autoclass function can let PSE know the PD maximum power is 20W rather than standard 25.5W ,so this benefit can reduce system power supply's cost
Datasheet have below description
"the PD being required to draw its highest power throughout the period bounded by the next 1.35 second to 3.65 seconds"
Do you have document to show what does PD and PSE work during 1.35s~3.65s
If have waveform ,it will be better
Thanks