You have carefully researched the topic and have already found the truth about HSV-2 antibody testing, which you accurately summarize in your question. There is no "debate" about the issue; the data are clear. The manufacturer of the most commonly used HSV antibody test in the US (HerpeSelect brand, produced by Focus Technologies) submitted data to the us Food and Drug Administration that showed that results with ELISA ratio values over 1.1 were positive for HSV-2. Later research showed that values between 1.1 and 3.5 often are false positive; the lower the value, the more likely the result is false, even though technically positive.
However, FDA regulations do not permit the manufacturer to change their "normal" values unless they do more research and submit those results to FDA and request a change in the approved labeling of the product. They must do their own research; published studies by other researchers are not acceptable. Such studies are very expensive. Therefore, the official information provided by the manufacturer, and used by many laboratories, is that any ELISA ratio over 1.1 is positive. But experts in STD and infectious disease in general, and herpes in particular, know that only values 3.5 and greater are definitely positive.
As far as your own results are concerned, you are smack in the middle of the gray zone. One research study suggests that the HSV-1 result also should be taken into consideration. That study, done in men but not women, showed that if someone was also positive for HSV-1, the HSV-2 result was more likely to be false. If that research is correct, then most likely your value of 2.6 for HSV-2 means you are infected. I was one of the researchers, and I believe the conclusion is valid. Therefore, my personal suspeciion is that you are infected with HSV-2. But still, it is only one study.
You can sort this out one of two ways. First, have another HSV-2 antibody test produced by a different manufacturer. For example, get the BiokitUSA test, which is done in 20 minutes while waiting in the doctor's office. If positive, it will almost certainly mean you are infected. If negative, it will reinforce the possibility of a false positive test. Second, have an HSV Western blot test (done at the University of Washington laboratory in Seattle, but can be sent to them by any lab). WB is more expensive, but it is the gold standard test to sort out situations like yours.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
The most comprehensive explanation I've seen to date about this somewhat confusing issue. Worth bookmarking.