Yes, I use the word "
attribute" to mean "
ratings." To me, the words are interchangeable.
As for the source, one of the editors wrote a blog about his experience at E3:
http://www.operationsports.com/newspost.php?id=323225
If you look at the section on Madden 10- Chase mentions editing attributes:
Somewhere else, someone asked for clarification, whether this was true that you can edit player's attributes/ratings
mid-franchise- and Chase confirmed yes, you can edit in the middle of your franchise. (sorry I don't have that link)