They definitely overbuild a lot of their kits. They use spring steel and titanium a lot. I was talking to a new friend of mine on facebook who's in the ACL, Brandon Alan Ross. I definitely recommend hitting him up if you need an in. Of course knowing a referee in the ACL is a big in as well (=
I myself am planning on graduating to the ACL once I have all the sufficient kit and am better trained. Right now the SCA is my go-to for my blood fix...but with throes, punches, kicks, and steel weapons going all out I certainly think the ACL is more in line with those who have a thirst for truly bloody conflict. The ex military jock in me wants to join partly for the camaraderie, but also to go to other countries and show 'em who's boss!