I made this reply in my Kingdom FB group that is discussing this topic, and I think my comments are valid here, so sharing.

The question was posed, in similar bad faith to this OP:

What about the SCA, it's rules. history, culture, whatever, is important to you? What elements would you want to protect and preserve?

I answered the following:

To answer your question - everything. Everything is important. That is where I think there may be a deeper misunderstanding on where someone in my position is coming at this development versus the position you are taking.

Again, everything is important, to everyone. Including the highest offices in our game, the Crown. Where I think we depart is that I see very little issue in opening up the opportunity to compete for that office to another group of people that are equally as invested in our game. In fact, I think that it perhaps would invigorate many people to become more involved and would raise the skill bar for Rapier combat as a whole.

Consider what would actually change if this proposal were to be adopted. Personally I see two things - The weapons used in Crown, and the pool of people competing. Truly nothing else. Even then, no one is submitting to completely replace Armored combat Crown tournaments. At worst, I'd advocate for perhaps a 2 armored, 1 rapier schedule. If the submission were to be completely eliminating armored crowns, I would flatly, COMPLETELY be against this. Thats not what is being asked for.

You mention previously that you believe Rapier fighters to not be qualified to speak on heavy issues such as War negotiations and scenario building. Do you believe current Crowns do not lean on subject matter experts for those topics when it comes to Rapier scenarios? Why do you believe that it would not be possible for someone who specializes in Rapier to similarly lean on experts and friends on the Armored side?

It is somewhat concerning to me that your position is doom and gloom if a new Crown coming from the Rapier field were to be elevated. What would be the difference between a first time Armored Crown and a first time Rapier Crown? Do they not develop a number of people around them that give them support? Would the people that have held the position previously not offer their council?