In my view, it's just one of several silly/illogical rules:
1. No AIWB
2. Must shoot targets in the order of a prescribed algorithm, doing otherwise = penalty
3. Must use cover (c'mon, IDPA rules committee, admit that IDPA is a game)
4. Dropping partial mags on the ground = penalty
Honorable mention for USPSA/hit factor scoring being (IMO) a better overall system.
I'm sure others could come up with more extensive lists, but regardless of how long the list of complaints about IDPA is, I think you're engaging in "perfect is the enemy of good" here - just because other things might be bigger problems doesn't mean that any given one couldn't/shouldn't get fixed.
Shoulder holsters are not permitted on the grounds that they cause loaded guns to be pointed uprange. This is not an issue with AIWB. (I'm not clear on why ankle holsters are not permitted, but I really can't see anyone having any real desire to do that outside of (maybe) a BUG match, given the very real time penalty involved.)
I've seen multiple competitors on the same squad as me in a USPSA match shooting Limited Minor from AIWB before. Your area != everywhere.It's argued USPSA permits it, but I have never seen it at an actual match.
Didn’t Gabe White somewhat famously make GM by shooting limited minor from AIWB? If I recall correctly he’s also placed well at national/regional matches doing so, but I’m not in the know when it comes to USPSA so I could be wrong about that. I also seem to recall he’s not the only one known for running AIWB in serious USPSA competition but again I could be misremembering.
This comes off as pretty hostile + negative to AIWB on a forum where a WHOLE LOT of great shooters rock AIWB. I've felt uncomfortable running LOTS of people and it didn't have anything to do with where their holster was.
You've never seen it in USPSA so it probably doesn't really happen?
As I stated in OP -I think there should/would need to be an achieved level of classification before just anyone could shoot AIWB.
Pretty sure Mr. White made M class in limited minor from AIWB, but also won a few or more level 2 or 3 matches too - which is super impressive as well.
The stupidity of some people never ceases to amaze me.
Humbly improving with CZ's.
I agree with the liability thing.
That being said, I ran AIWB at a USPSA match today with my CO gun using my left hand (my right hand is in a brace).
Nobody batted an eye. I rocked my hips and pushed the bottom of the holster down range to keep things kosher reholstering. Drawing, I always flip muzzle out while withdrawing to also avoid the junk shot.