James, I do have to agree with Dave, the points have been answered, even if not to your liking.

I have said previously, it does not say anything in the rules about assumed effect or that any techniques score higher than others. Nevertheless, in Thailand a body kick and knee landing cleanly score without obvious effect. That said, a body kick that does show a physical effect is considered better. This is something that is not explicit in the rules either.

This is how the rules are applied in Thailand and actually the system results in very consistent decisions, whether you agree with them or not. It is worth remembering that the rules are written in different language, and written presuming those reading them understand the sport and its cultural nuances well.

There have been calls in Thailand to change some of the judging practices, but currently that is how the sport is scored. Who knows what the future will hold.