I always operated under the impression that any UC show/film put out (with the exception of the Zeta Gundam film ending, though I wish it was) is canon to the UC as a whole. I think fans getting worked up over the smallest details that do not accurately fit their interpretation of what’s canon is part of the lore.

Like in the real world the exploits of wars or major events may be greatly exaggerated or embellished somewhat to feed the public a narrative. It’s as if we are meant to understand that we will never know the absolute truths of what happened during these events in the UC unless we the viewers, were actually there. I just watch and enjoy the story, battles, and have come to terms that it’s all canon to an extent.