Intent - another perspective

Intent or "idea" is that which drives which physical technique you deploy in self defense. I quote from Clarke Sensei, "The importance lies in the ideas [intent is what comes to my mind] being discussed, not the precise formalization of physical movement." - Mike Clarke Sensei, Book "Shin Gi Tai."

Can it be that because of the difficulty this entails that many tend to rely heavily on the physical teaching of self defense, i.e. he does this, you do this, to gain student membership and thus student monies? [lets not get started on the pro's and con's of commercialization of karate]

I feel Clarke Sensei hits it directly, the intent of practice should drive technique, tactic and strategy deployment and applications.