I hear you. A ring sport....and we don't spar. Been to those schools, they got some mean pad drills......and.......
In terms of JKD, to be frank, the worst thing that ever happened to JKD was seminars. 200 - 300 people, who cant spar or condition because it ain't in the disclaimer.
Thats why I teach out of my garage, for free, and everyone who walks in the door understands that we mix it up. If you don't like it.....what do you want, your money back???
I know you train largely via sparring, which is just the best way to go, hope to maybe come and learn from your group when I come over to the States next year.