Andrea. "What I said was A rope by another name is still a rope" "Different ships, different long splices Mate" we should not get too technical. The Foot ropes you are refering to are known as Horses and of course that would depend on your country of origin and if you are Merchant Service or a Naval Seaman. I would refer you to my ancestors book "A Young Sea Officers Sheet Anchor" a key to Leading,Rigging and Practical Seamanship" (1808 Darcy Lever)
There are: Top Ropes, Buoy Ropes, Yard Ropes, Rope Bands, Sheet Rope Spankers etc etc ad nauseum Yours, Aye. Dave Lever