red headed stranger

If you want to take the power factor argument to an absurd extreme you may be correct, but the people who are advocating other calibers are largely advocating cartridges that are available off the shelf, are in use by leos and civilians, and are supported by major firearms manufacturers. .40S&W in particular is in common usage and is quite popular for DEFENSIVE use(the "D" in IDPA and CDP).

..."uncomfortable exclusion?" I would term it unnatural or illogical given the current nomenclature of divisions.

Indeed, and the 38 super is the caliber of choice for the 1911 in those counties that disallow "military" cartridges. Moreover, though the .40 may be considered a "gamer cartridge" by some, it is an extremely popular DEFENSIVE (you know, the D in IDPA and CDP) cartridge, as well as one of the most issued, if not the most issued duty round by US agencies. Furthermore, a.40S&W loaded at 165PF does not constitute a competitive advantage over the 165PF .45ACP. "Honoring" a cartridge is the domain of museums and books. Not for a game with IDPA's fundamental principals.

Round dumping is not mentioned in this new rulebook draft.

On the Proarms podcast, Joyce Wilson specifically said that the Xd would be allowed in SSP.

The Aimpoint micros arre available with a 2 MOA dot. That size would work well for your purposes.