Look dhfenno, I'm not trying to argue with you, o.k? Maybe I'm reading more into your text than is there, but if you're looking to have a fight about this, the floor is yours...I'm done. I also have no authority with IDPA (beyond being an SO and MD of my local club) and can only read the book, same as you. You have asked for an interpretation. If it was black and white, in your mind even, you wouldn't have needed to ask.
Anyway, to your points:
1) The rule book is there for everyone. If you want to dispute a call some SO has made, it is there to back you up. Is that your "repsonsbility?" Well, yes -- as a participant in the sport, you should be up on the rules. If you don't think you should have to be able to defend your decisions based on those rules, then don't dispute the judgements of SOs and MDs. I guess. Those guys have the same book as you, but human interpretation of written text can differ -- and even basic reading comprehension can fail us all from time to time. It is always good to be conversant with your "rights" under any set of rules. Additionally, you are asking about doing something out of the norm. Something that, by the very way you've explained it, is intended to circumvent the stated reasoning of the rule. If you're going to play on the edge like that, you'd be wise to be prepared to defend your decision. Seems logical to me.
2) It is a violation of the spirit of the rule because YOU SAID you wanted to use a different material
so that the mags would be heavier. The rule says DON'T add weight to your mags. I've already said if you keep it within the 1 oz. limit it seems that it should be permissable -- regardless of why you do it. I didn't say wanting to add weight to your mags makes you a bad person or violates some ethical standard. I said it violates the expressed language of the rule. And it does.
3) A cop may decide your driving is unsafe and write you a ticket for any number of reasons -- regardless of the posted speed. (Too fast for weather conditions, aggressive, etc.) But the law says don't exceed 55 mph. It doesn't get into your reasoning for doing so. Comparing apples to oranges. And, (once more) regardless of intent - if you're within the speed limit (or the weight limit in this case) you aren't going to get nailed for it. And if you do, you can point to the rule book (law) and get your day in court.
4/5) The book is black and white. The rule says don't add weight. Mags may be up to one ounce heavier than factory mags. As Jim said, you may choose to interpret this as, "Add weight up to 0.99999 oz." if you want.
The book also says, in Competition Rule C2, "
Competitors will refrain from ... the use of illegal equipment, which, in the opinion of the match director, tends to make a travesty of IDPA." Did you catch that "in the opinion of the Match Director" part? Guess what? If a MD looks at your0.99999 oz. base pads and says, "you're adding weight to your mags and that, in my opinion, violates the spirit of the rule, even though they aren't technically over the allowable limit. You're DQ'd," he's within his rights as MD. Good luck barking up the chain of command to get his decision overruled. That's why I suggested you stay non-confrontational and keep your reasoning to yourself. 99% of MDs are probably going to say, if it makes weight, I'm ok with it. That's your que to drop the issue.
6) Sorry, you had mentioned that you see these for 1911s in the catalogs. I just wanted to point out that the platform doesn't matter.
I still think if you want an answer you can print out and carry with you to argue the point with your local MDs, you'll need to get it from HQ, in writing.
Another good example of how, when someone feels the need to point out how "black and white" a situation is, that's a tip off that it really ISN'T.
-Sam