I agree, it's a pain. (Though I don't agree about the weight, there being a difference between epees and foils compared to actual rapiers. Rapiers are heavier, though better balanced, than are our boffers--foils are lighter.)
To the left, a decent boffer weapon combined with the skills of a RL fencer is a nice combination. Though many moves don't transfer over well, some do, and one has a nice leg-up over those who've never studied the art. It's all well and good to swing for massive damage, but if you can't hit a fencer, it don't mean squat.
Of course, many real life combat moves are useless or outright illegal in the game due to the danger. While it may be annoying, it's understandable.
But yeah, if anyone figures it out, I, too, would be pleased to learn of it.
ChrisO