I think there's some merit to the change you're suggesting. I find myself being repetitively explicit in wording actions to avoid the ambiguity you're talking about, as in:
Code:
> grant application
> letters of recommendation
> Jane Johnson
- ask Jane Johnson for rec @calls
- from Jane Johnson, grant rec @waitingfor
> Joe Smith
- ask Joe Smith for rec @calls
- from Joe Smith, grant rec @waitingfor
Besides lessening the typing, if I could avoid repeating the names in the action it would allow much easier copying and pasting when setting the project up.