A solution of the large discrepancy existing between inclusive and exclusive measurements of the 8Li + 4He --> 11B + n reaction cross section at E cm < 3 MeV is evaluated. This problem has profound astrophysical relevance for this reaction is of great interest in big bang and r-process nucleosynthesis. By means of a novel technique, a comprehensive study of all existing 8Li + 4He --> 11B + n cross section data is carried out, setting up a consistent picture in which all the inclusive measurements provide the reliable value of the cross section. New unambiguous signatures of the strong branch pattern non-uniformities, near the threshold of higher 11B excited levels, are presented and their possible origin, in terms of the cluster structure of the involved excited states of 11B and 12Bnuclei, is discussed.