A few thoughts.
One is there has always been a top down trickle on all sorts of race equipment. For example, back protectors were very rare, even at say the NorAm level, then the guys on the WC started to use them. Boom. The following summer our son came back from Chile with three different ones. That was about 15 years ago? Now look at them. And all of the armour.
The basic nylon stealth top, made by Spyder evolved into many more “sturdy” upper body protectors. I can’t recall when I first saw a pair of forearm guards being used in GS, but I can absolutely recall the Slytech guys saying that they were going to sell a TON, and very high margins, but getting them on the arms of the right racers. And so it’s evolved. I am blown away by the fact that it seems like every U10 “needs” them. I don’t recall a lot of forearm injuries or bad bruises.
From what I have heard, with respect to the one “cut suit” out there, many of the “kids” provided with them were in the mode of “Why do I need this? Who on the WC is using it?” Amlong with it being another layer, which frankly would be more restrictive regardless of the material. Makes my suits tighter, makes my back protector feel different. And I think that many thought If they risked a cut, it would be around the boot top. All you have to do is look at some beaten up suits used by FIS kids to train...and the lower legs are the area most trashed.
So I think there is just skepticism of the need, and for most there is cost and availability. Does not mean that they do not make sense.
When I first got into this at a high level in the 70’s, you only wore a helmet to race in DH {of course there was no SG yet}. And in those days before breakaway gates, the one piece suit was just beginning to arrive...for DH. Some teams had lightly padded sweaters, and then the padded pants evolved later on.
Ceramic edgers is interesting. At the older ages and higher levels, they have been around for years. We bought our first SnowGlide and first Trione about 12-14 years ago, I think. I didn’t see a lot of cuts, or an increase.
Is it because every U10 and 400 point USSA skier now has skis tuned using an edger? And that bigger group, that bigger slice of the racing pyramid, is seeing more of these injuries? I don’t know.
I do see more kids, younger ones, slicing open hands and fingers on sharp skis, and coaches carrying a big more in terms of first aid supplies. But had not thought of it until now.
If they become mandated at the top, we will probably see them trickle down, regardless of cost. And we’ll hear those complaints.
I don’t think the sport will let one manufacturer push this, but they are masters at creating demand for their “stuff” regardless of price.
Bet we’ll see data begin to be collected and compiled to see how big an issue it is or is not.
If my child or a friend were badly injured I would likely have much stronger feelings.