A problem i have found as a new person (10 months) (as it relates to this topic) is you can NOT go by the rules alone.
You must take a poll of what everyone thinks and then try to decide if it is ok for you to do, even if it is legal within the rules.
PLus you have to decide what % of acceptance is ok with you. Knowing that you might offend what ever percentage of people, when you take the field, with a legal item.
Example I had no idea that a Flail was viewed any deferent than any other weapon, The first event i went to (i had been in only a few weeks) , I noticed Attila killing everybody he went up against. , Soooooo me said, i want a big shild and a flail and i want to fight like that bad *. Soo i go to work to make me the best flail in history of the game, But in picking up the flail i * off Tons of people in DD. They dont respect no flail playing band . (sorry old song)
Other Examples: armor (how soon how much) , helm, what size shield and what weight of weapons just to name a few.
This is the same thing, It is legal but you may get smashed and called names if you do it, and someone you have never met who lives 700 miles away thinks your cheating but it is totaly legal in the rules.
Does any one think that we should accept every rule with respect on and off the field?
And that we should make every effort to change the rules to the better ment of the game if needed (out law the flail if thats what everybody wants) (use a time put in limit on armor) but in the end go by the Book. Respect the rules that are in effect.
Thrax
PS
I have reduced the size of my shield, fight with a sword and fight in no armor about 60% of the time trying to make everyone happy.