Can a monk be in a stance in Exploration mode

[pauljathome]

Another question that came up in todays session.

The monk character wanted to be in a stance in exploration mode.

Rules on stance:
"A stance is a general combat strategy that you enter by using an action with the stance trait. You can enter a stance only in encounter mode. A stance lasts until you get knocked out, until its requirements
(if any) are violated, or until you enter a new stance, whichever comes first.".

On the one hand, it explicitly states that you can enter a stance only in encounter mode

On the other hand, it explicitly states when a stance ends and dropping OUT of encounter mode is NOT listed. So, after the first encounter, that would imply you could still remain in that stance.

On the other other hand, Exploration mode explictly allows raising a shield as a tactic AND states that
"Use the list of common tactics that follows as inspiration. If you come up with your own idea, the GM will adjudicate your idea using
these as a baseline."

The player and I disagreed about this. Which, pretty much by definition, means that the rules are unclear and need to be clarified (I have no particular opinion about HOW they should be clarified, only that they should BE clarified)

[Darkorin]

Since the fighter have to take a level 14th feat (Stance Savant p95), in order to take a stance as soon as an encounter begins. I would say it is not possible.

If you really want to permit it in exploration mode, I would at least say that it is a fatiguing tactic.

[ikarinokami]

I don't believe so given how the rules are written and described.