use of traditional weapons
Traditional weapons such as broadsword,and butterfly sword techniques can be tranfered to many items such as a stick or a piece of pipe. I know that if I was ever attacked by someone with ,say, a knife ,And I was able to pick up a stick I would much rather instinctivly use a technique that actually works! Not some dance move , or Tai-bo that would probably get me killed!
Also training with a real weapon,builds strength and dexterity that can only aid you in any situation.
Not to make this a long drawn out debate...
but the mention as to 'quite structurally solid' was merely in response to the 'silly foil swords' statement (which I took as being in regard to the physical structure of the weapon) and in that regard it is relevant.
You are however quite right in saying that martial intent should be a focus. Intent however is subject to interpretation. Good Chinese martial arts (regardless of traditional, internal or contemporary sport) will strive to develop qualities such as yi (intent), jing (essence), shen (spirit), qi (energy), etc... these qualities can be found in 'good' contemporary sport wushu athletes & coaches. Many older generation 'sport' wushu coaches will be able to give you 'intended' application behind the movements. Do they actually train to fight (your interpretation I believe of intention?), no but should they have to? Contemporary Wushu is much like what happened when some arts (ie; Taiji) evolved towards development of internal health qualities, wushu went towards performance orientation. The truth is many (not all) so called 'traditional' schools train so much in forms and spend so little time in translating their skills to application that in reality they are IMHO just doing their own 'traditional' version of performance oriented wushu and could also be said to be relegating their art to the realms of dance.
My own foundation is in 'traditional' CMA, however I have learned to look outside the box so to speak and enjoy the new 'sport' wushu and see it as just one aspect of the many facets of CMA. Many (not all) of the detractors of sport wushu, I find speak from a narrow minded less well rounded view of CMA (usually only having had exposure to Hong Kong exported brands of southern 'kung fu').
Anyhow I respect your opinion & your right to it, I'm not trying to impose my view of things on you & just sharing a differing view. As I said I don't want this to become a long drawn out debate.
Regards