I remember reading your article, it is very well written.

There are Martial arts and there are Combat-Sports.

For me Martial Arts should focus on self-defence, with realistic methods in many instances focusing on techniques not allowed within the rule-set of a game ( even if the game is a very tough one ).

Muay-Boran = Martial Arts, and includes strikes using your head as a weapon as well as striking a downed opponent.

Muaythai = Combat sport, performed within a ruleset.

Many combat-sports have techniques that are highly applicable to self-defence situations, therefore you have a grey area due to cross-over. I know of several Muaythai instructors that advertise/teach self-defence and specialise in this area with their skill-set.

M.M.A. as a Combat-sport being one that immediately comes to mind as it covers grappling range as well as striking.

However, when headbutts and biting come into play - the last thing anyone would want to do is grapple or clinch someone.

Interesting subject.