This also applies to recording lengths - thinking they are editing the track length:

http://musicbrainz.org/edit/14590027

For the titles, perhaps it could work like an artist merge - where you get a check box to "rename artist credits". Likewise for the recordings you could get a check box to "rename track titles" or perhaps list them and select the ones it should apply to (a bit like the old track-level relationship edits on releases).

For the lengths, perhaps this shouldn't be freely editable, but instead should be a selection of one of the track lengths?

I don't have any ideas either. Currently this ticket isn't very actionable for me as a developer, so I've re-assigned the ticket to the reporter (murdos). Please discuss possible solutions in the appropriate forums (dev meeting or irc in general, mb-user, etc...), and assign the ticket back to me when you have something I can implement.

We need external help on this.

I've had exactly this misunderstanding, so I'm voting for this ticket.

Better documentation would help. One approach would be an FAQ: "Q: how can I change the track title? A: first, understand whether you want to change the track title, or recording name, or both. To change the track title, do.... To change the recording name, do... "

As this issue has been delayed, I am moving it back to be rescheduled.