...ABS doesn't belong in IT. It's far too much of an advantage.
There are our two issues, distilled down to one line.

1. A statement of belief. If you believe it, you do. If you don't, you don't. People tend not to change their beliefs - just ask any Internet board. There's little point in trying.

2. Acknowledgment that the question isn't WHETHER there is an advantage, but HOW MUCH of an advantage is too much. The ITAC deals with this all the time, when people say, "...but the Borgward has better gear ratios, so it should weigh more."

This is the policy environment in which the Club has got to deliver rules decisions. Decision-makes are inclined to (1) do what supports their beliefs first, and (2) what pisses off the fewest of their current constituents as a second choice. Since decision-makers tend to be active players, and active players tend to BE active because they like the way things are (currently), they are disinclined to like change (Satisfies 1, above). This is handy because "don't do anything" is generally a good way to satisfy intent 2, as well...

Short version: You don't need to worry very much, Chris. Yet. Because we'll put off cleaning this boo-boo until it's a festering, infected mess that HAS to get attention - at which point it will be a huge brouhaha rather than a policy decision.

K