If I were checking in my local realm I would fail such a weapon for having a hard pommel. I brought it to one of the head checkers for a second opinion and they passed it since it didn't fail template.
1.1.4. Pommel – Non-striking Surface that covers the end of the Handle.
1.1.2. Non-striking Surface – Any padded surface of the Weapon that is not a striking surface.
1.3.2. All non-striking surfaces must be padded adequately to prevent personal injury from incidental contact.
Given these rules, I don't see much grey area for passing excessively hard pommels - What is the argument for passing a racquetball pommel, or similar?