Because the base weapon utilized in SCA fencing is the foil/epee standard. Until that is removed from Society minimums, the armor of Society minimums is governed by that standard. If you want to change the armor at Society minimums, you have to change the weapons at Society minimuns. It is your lynch pin. Kingdoms who have no foil/epee are not permitted to drop below Society minimum on armor.
This is not a vote for or against foil/epee -- just the logistical answer to your query.
Alternately you break heavy rapier away from foil/epee entirely, which is pretty much already done.
Heavy rapier has different auths in every kingdom I'm aware of that has both types. It has increased minimum armor, and it can't be played with Light rapier. It even has slightly different blow-calling rules due to the ability to tell flat from edge. The only advantage to keeping them in the same category as far as I can see is that the MOL doesn't have to do paperwork on two kinds of marshalls.
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This is not a vote for or against foil/epee -- just the logistical answer to your query.
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Heavy rapier has different auths in every kingdom I'm aware of that has both types. It has increased minimum armor, and it can't be played with Light rapier. It even has slightly different blow-calling rules due to the ability to tell flat from edge. The only advantage to keeping them in the same category as far as I can see is that the MOL doesn't have to do paperwork on two kinds of marshalls.
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