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...real hardcore cosplayers can make props/weapons/accessories without having to use metal...

While this is certainly true, there are some clear benefits to using metal for articulated joints, like shoes.  I am working on armored shoes similar to Vincent's and I have reviewed several possible materials to use and non-metal materials all have some significant drawbacks.  
* Vacuum formed plastics are expensive and too brittle at the joints.
* Paper mache can be reinforced at the joints, but cannot take complex curves without adding too much bulk for shoes.
* Craft foam lacks the rigidity to form the structural pieces I need.
* 20 gauge steel, however, is cheap, lightweight, able to take complex curves and malleable enough to not snap under stress yet rigid enough to hold the structure I need.  In addition, the material is hand bendable and if I did kick someone or something, the steel would deform more than the other materials I have investigated with the exception of craft foam and the edges are easily rolled to prevent cutting danger.

It is possible to make the shoes without metal and if the official policy is "no metal" then I guess I have no choice, however in this case I believe that metal is clearly the superior material and that there is no additional danger to other attendees by using it.

Finally, the con is rapidly approaching and I need to get started on the shoes, but without clear direction on the official policy I hesitate to commit to a material yet.  Please address this issue in the official policy as leaving it a grey area opens us attendees to the risk of putting in hours of effort into our costumes in good faith only to be denied wearing it at the con.

edit: Yes, I have emailed [email protected] and am awaiting their reply.