I think it's amazing to see anyone from IDPA headquarters respond. I've been a lurker for YEARS, and I can count the number of responses I've seen from headqauarters on one hand. I wish they were more involved. They sure are good at taking our money though.
Someone mentioned earlier that no competitive advantage was obtained. Unless you ran some timed drills with different lights, you have no idea what you're talking about. The National Champion endorsed it, so I'd say we need to keep an open mind. The thing that bothers me is the multiple interpretations you'll run into with various MD's at different matches. Nobody is going to say you can't use an awkward flashlight, but something that makes sense will come under scrutiny.
I like shooting IDPA, but the rules are a little retarded.