[Kromm]

Ignoring encumbrance greatly devalues ST . . . by about 30%, in fact (see also Lifting ST). I consider that a bad thing. While encumbrance can get complex, the trick isn't to ignore it so much as follow best practices: (1) have a spreadsheet add it up before the game begins, and (2) enforce "no reductions during high-intensity scenes," which means that if you drop enough kit to reduce your encumbrance level, your Move and Dodge improve only when the GM has time to worry about it. (When asked what this is supposed to represent in reality, my answer is "Sore muscles" on a good day, "My campaign isn't a reality simulation!" on a bad one.) It can also help to add up a few gear configurations in advance; e.g., "with pack" and "without pack."