Bungie didn't make those books. But they did create the Halo universe. As far as I am concerned, their word that they are Spartan III's is final. Because they are. I have Ghosts of Onyx here with me. Even so, Bungie said multiple times that they are III's. Therefore, they are. And Wolfy, you disregard the Forerunner saga all the time but here you are saying that this book is true because it was written first? Please explain.
P.S. Maybe Noble team was a secret group trained somewhere else? They sure weren't mentioned in Ghosts of Onyx. Who says that every single Spartan III was trained on Onyx? The saber program was never mentioned until Reach, and no debates rise over this.
P.P.S Their armor in no way is indicated to be II or III. That argument is invalid.