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Why the D&D and Amtgard rules MUST be different.

D&D style games can never be similar to Amtgard style games because (with the exception of "quests") the players are fighting ONE ANOTHER, and not a bunch of NPC villains. D&D breaks down in PC vs PC scenarios ALSO. D&D games revolve around the DM presenting outside challenges to a group of Players in a effort to entertain them and keep them involved.  When a DM bends the rules it is, by definition, ok because he's on YOUR side (or he should be).
 
However in Amtgard, the basic game involves Players trying to "Defeat" one another.  It's a game of "I killed you" vs "Nope. I blocked and killed you." "Damn, you're right. I'm Dead."  In order for such a system to work, everyone needs to understand how the "game universe" works before beginning play.  With luck, the mechanics of that universe are described in the rulebook.
 
The goal of a rulebook is to provide a means of conflict resolution. When people agree on the outcome of an action, there is never a problem and the rulebook need not be consulted.  However, when there's a conflict the only thing the participants can be expected to agree upon is what's in the rulebook. It's an assumption that's made when stepping onto an Amtgard playing field. When different (reasonable and literate) people can look at the rulebook and disagree on the outcome, it has failed in its purpose--in that instance.  When this happens too often, players become frustrated; and as we all know, frustrated players obviously enjoy playing less than non-frustrated players.
 
Ideally, a Reeve should never have to tell a player, "I know what the rulebook says, but that's not the way it's played."  In Amtgard, every time a player says "But I thought you couldn't do that" or "I though I could do this" and is told he is wrong, it's bad for the game.  It lessens his enjoyment and often makes them into even worse rules lawyers ("Well, if he can do that.  Then I can do this...until proven otherwise.)  It's also not (always) the player's fault or a failing in his attitude; in most cases, it's a failing in the Rules or their presentation.

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