I think it's unfair to say that the cross (in this instance) must definitely represent one thing. Symbolism is subjective. Put a cross in front of a Christian and they might say 'Jesus'. Put it in front of a historian and they might say 'torture'. I don't think it's something to beat each other up about...
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it" ~ Aristotle