What locations have you checked out? Many KM places have comprehensive sparring programs that include getting people acclimated to sparring in a safe and staged manner.
The best places continue to do this as well as introduce multiple attackers, stress drill scenarios, situational awareness, response options ,and full contact. And no, eye gouges, bites, and throat rips (Macgruber) aren't part of the sparring.
There is enough range in what most places offer that a soccer mom who wants an hard workout and learn some self defense techniques without getting black eyes or broken bones can accomplish her goals. On the other end of the spectrum there room for the heavy weights who want to get into things a little harder, fight with full resistance, as well as drill multiple attacker / weapon scenarios.
I'm providing this detail from a point of knowledge, not speculation. Your mileage may vary from gym to gym or organization to organization -same as Muay Thai. But, as a system KM has evolved (that's part of their philosophy) to address these gaps.
Hell, checkout KM San Antonio. They have a facility to train car jacking, getting held up while taking groceries out of your car, ATM stickups, Airplane situations - with full resistance and doing the same drills when you are protecting your spouse/children.
No, its not boxing. No, its not BJJ. No, its not Muay Thai. No, its not better. Its just another set of tools.
