Show me this, and I'll show you a person who isn't kicking the lead leg when it's weighted.. It has been stated multiple times that this kick requires that the majority of the weight is placed on the lead leg. If the weight is not on the front leg then this kick will not work. If you truly understand this then you would know that there is no need to kick at the leg unless it's weighted down.
As for the quality of sparring partners. I can land this kick on anyone regardless of skill level. It's not some magic kick. If you understand when this kick is successful then it's just a matter being able to time that weight distribution.
Like I said if you can side step this kick then show that in a sparring video and I'll show that the weight isn't on the front leg.
Here's the thing about my sparring.
1. I spar to learn and not to win, so you'll never see me trying to "out do" and "beat someone". What you will see is me working my techniques.
2. I've sparred against amateur fighters (MMA, Muay Thai, and Boxing). None of them think my skills are lacking.
3. I've sparred against Sanda practitioners and they train similar to how I train. They work their techniques vs trying to KO your sparring partners.
Some of those "dudes" that I spar with are known for Knocking people out in competition.. I definitely wouldn't say that they suck.