You know Kevin, sometimes you post some good stuff, and then other times I really have to scratch my head and wonder! I've been impressed with the limited CHI SAO video I have seen of PB....haven't seen any actual sparring/fighting video. But you guys make his approach sound very one-dimensional. So far you have suggested that in PB's version of Wing Chun:
1. You never step into the opponent
2. You never step back from the opponent
3. You never pivot or rotate
4. You never use "springy" energy
5. You don't engage the opponent with arm to arm contact
What I described are essential actions from a clinch-like position. A clinch-like position is any position where you are within punching range of the opponent and he has obstructed you in some way...which usually involves each persons arms in contact. Boxers end up in this position, Muay Thai ends up in this position, MMA ends up in this position......what makes you think Wing Chun is any different? Chi Sao is not fighting. But Chi Sao trains some essentially things from this "clinch" range and how to react from this arm contact. Should such contact be avoided? Sure! In a perfect world! But it happens. For you to deny such footwork that I mentioned above is part of Wing Chun shows a very one-dimensional approach to Wing Chun! I don't very seriously that PB sees it that way. So again, I have to wonder where you are coming from.