Here is a good Q & A from another forum that illustrates this thinking very clearly:
"It's like starting out with Karate stripping away all the entire curriculum keeping the principle's and adding Muay Thai. At some point it ceases to be Karate."
Yes, if one where to define JKD as another traditional Martial Art whose techniques where fixed in time, and beyond evolution, then you would be correct. And that is what Bruce Lee himself called a 'dead pattern'.
If one defines JKD as universal principles, then the understanding is there.
"I like your method though. I guess it would only matter to someone who wants to follow in Lee's footsteps and use the name (JKD) as a status symbol, as oppose to finding a combat effective system."
Excellent point, it depends on what one is truly after.
If it's performance within a specific field of operations, then form will follow function, and performance will dictate tactics & techniques.
If not, then who knows. Many simply like the attachment to a movie star, etc. It becomes an image one chases. And that is truly common in all things.
The main thing is you stay safe, and have fun along the way.
cheers
-Matt Thornton
www.straightblastgym.com