Let's be honest. Does it really matter? I mean - does it really matter if we perceive effectiveness in a martial art? 'Cuz - to be totally honest... the notion of martial arts for real self defense is a little ridiculous. I'm being serious here.
When the cr@p hits the fan, and we're talking a real life and death situation - forced entry, armed robbery, car jacking, serial killer, shooting spree, hostage situation, kidnapping, etc -
- mental preparation, an escape plan, mental toughness and a desire to survive and escape, fear of what the criminal intends to do more than fear of immediate injury (since your best chance for escape is at the initial crime scene - you have no chance if you cooperate and let them transport you to crime scene #2, or let them bind you in some way). This is real self defense.
It's not forms, it's not sport training, it's not TMA in any way. Here's another point, if it involves gadgets, it's not going to work. If it is specialized "for women" or "women's self defense" - not only is that sexist, it's not going to work (if it's not good enough for a man, it's not good enough for a woman either - besides, self defense is about mental preparation and mental toughness, not gender)
My point is - does it matter if we think most TCMA'ers are poseurs because they'd get their arses handed to them in a sporting environment? And does it matter if TCMA'ers dislike MMA'ers because they "have no class" or "sense of lineage" and "haven't seen the real kung fu"?
I say let it be man - just let it be. MA means something different to everybody. I like a good workout and a competitive environment to relieve stress. Some people like meditation and choreographed movements to relieve stress.
Let's agree to disagree and move on.