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I'm glad that we agree on the definition of "Canon-Divergent AU."

Since I can't edit my comment to make my position clearer, here it is in detail. Somewhat excruciating detail, to be honest!

• I agree with everything said: in sum, "Canon Divergence AU" is too vague to be helpful.


• Currently we have two categories of AU-ness in terms of setting—Modern/Mundane and Genre (the latter possibly being split into two, even clearer)—and I welcome the chance to opt-out of these things.


• Now that the mod has handily clarified the "Canon-Style Plot" tag, there is no catch-all option for, as you say, "retain[ing] the canon setting" whether or not the story "veers off ... in terms of plot development."


• The only option that suggests anything at all about keeping the canon setting is "Worldbuilding." If everyone who wants a canon setting ticks this box, what happens to the people who really do want to focus on the construction or aspects of the setting?


• As you point out, "Canon Divergent AU" doesn't indicate anything about what sort of plot change is requested. Without a letter, is the safest possible option to assume it means Fix-It fic, or to keep the canon tone?


• What about someone who just wants a canon setting, and doesn't care about whether there is a divergence or not? Do they opt into or out of this tag?

If all I got was a placeholder letter and my recipient's tag choices, what tags are useful? "Fix-It fic" gives a sense of tone, and valuable character direction. It carries strong implications about what the recipient would be comfortable reading. "Canon Divergent AU" assuages precious little of the writer's uncertainty.

TL;DR: The popular vote for "Fix-It fic" makes sense, so does "Canon Setting with a Twist/Trope", just please don't leave us with the uncertainty of "Canon Divergent AU."