Not bad TT, this is something I can agree with.
Gabe, I'm not going to say your wrong, and I respect your choice to dissagree.
Here's how I see it:
The problem I see comes in when the "rules and equipment" card gets pulled. I may be mistaken but all CMA have their own way of addressing strikes, kicks, holds, and throwing/takedowns. Where's the problem? Usually it's with the instruction or the individual, rather than the system. Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees, and hold ourselves back. Sometimes the teacher doesn't have the relevant experience to guide the student in certain situations. I can admit that I'd be completely at a loss to train someone for a competition that included ground fighting...But that's because of my own lack of experience and skill rather than the fault of a system or ruleset.
I also beleive, anyone can, and should train with equipment. It can be a great tool for learning if understood, and allows us to train in ways that might otherwise be too dangerous for regular practice. Hand conditioning and specialized hand formations are great, and both have a place in personal development as well as competition. Heck, I love the footage of Bas Rutten using some devastating palm strikes in mma matches, cool stuff!
Also, who says anything about starting off in the UFC or in a sanctioned boxing match? Start smaller. Local amatuer events. Lie Tai tournaments. Arrange friendly competitions or matches with other schools or associates. Gaining experience is the key. Lack of practical experience will stunt the development of skill. And unless people are willing to go out and get into "real fights", most of which these days involve potential use of guns, there's really not too many ways other than competition to get experience. To sum it up, I don't at all agree that to beat a boxer you have to become a boxer, nor toe beat an mma person, you have to out mma them. You do have to train hard, be aware of the weapons they use, and learn how to apply your own.