That actually makes perfect sense don. Getting hit in any of those spots is bad to say the least. I also like the medical aspect of what happens as a result of a blow to a particular trouble spot. On that vein, I remember 5 years ago Andre mentioned a blow to the side of the neck at a 45 degree angle is a potential knockout blow that disrupts bloodflow to the brain. Of all the things to remember.

Getting back to the topic at hand, head gear is not much of a shock absorber. A good punch to the head will cause the brain to crash from one side of the skull to the other. Agreeing with what Thomas said earlier, even normal punches can cause a mild concussion, head gear has very little say in that. But if the head gear allows a fighter to go on unhindered while protecting their facial features and vulnerable spots, then a fighter will be much better off in the long run.