Groupsave Discount Valid Times

[Hadders]

It used to be the case that Groupsave was valid at times when the Off Peak Day Return became valid but ticket selling websites now appear to implement a blanket 09:30 restriction.

GTR's Thameslink website mentions nothing about 09:30 referring to Off Peak tickets:

https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/tickets/discounts-and-railcards/groupsave

Groups of 3 to 9 adults save 34%​

If you’re travelling in a group of 3-9 adults, GroupSave gives you a 34% discount on Off-Peak travel – that’s outside busy times on weekdays, and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays.
The discount is available on the following tickets:

• Anytime Single (at Off-Peak times)
• Off-Peak Day Return
• Off-Peak Day Single
• Off-Peak Day Travelcards (outside London)
• All Super Off-Peak tickets

Book your tickets in a single online order and you’ll automatically get the GroupSave discount if it’s available. Plus, if you book your tickets online you will be eligible for a money back guarantee.
If you buy your tickets at the ticket office, ask about GroupSave and our staff will help you choose the right tickets. If you are travelling in a large group please purchase your tickets in advance of your date of travel.
BUY ONLINE NOW

Restrictions on group bookings​

You can’t use GroupSave tickets during weekday peak times.
If any of your group has a railcard, it can’t be used to get an extra discount on your GroupSave ticket.
The whole group has to travel together on the same train (including journeys where you change trains).
The terms and conditions on the National Rail website tell you more about when you can use group tickets.

National Rail says:

https://assets.nationalrail.co.uk/e8xgegruud3g/2kMpCibjPgTEEjVs3OFjbQ/a2b4a983dd62128084790ed8ed2fc886/Terms_and_Conditions_-_Groupsave.pdf

GroupSave discounts are generally only valid on Off-Peak Tickets and are subject to other terms and conditions, in addition to these Conditions. These will be made available at time of purchase. If there is no Off-Peak Ticket type offered for the journey, then travel on a GroupSave discounted Ticket is permitted after 09:30 Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays). Restrictions on GroupSave discounted travel do not apply at weekends or on Bank Holidays.

Does anyone know the actual position?

Take a journey from Bedford to Brighton - the Off Peak Day Return can be used on the 09:04 departure (changing at East Croydon and Haywards Heath) and the 09:18 direct train but I can't get any website to offer a Groupsave discount until the 09:48 departure.