Mr. Meyer:
I have a great deal of respect for your posts here and on other boards. So please don't take this the wrong way.
I think Jim Watson is making the right suggestion regarding "just get a holster and shoot the match" if you want to hone skills with a small revolver and practice the draws at home.
We all have to make adjustments because of IDPA's quirky little rules. For example, when I shoot an IDPA match with my Glock 19, I must start with 11 rounds in the weapon. No more than 11, no less than 11. In the real world, I have 16 rounds in that same weapon. But I can't practice the way I train, nor can I practice the way I carry.
Similar IDPA rules regarding dropping loaded mags, shooting threats in some specified "tactical sequence," etc. may differ from the way we train.
I'm NOT trying to turn this into an "IDPA Rules Are Stupid" thread. I'm simply saying that IDPA doesn't try to accommodate everyone's needs pertaining to shooting a match like they would carry on the street.
As you know, rule changes in IDPA take several years and are often wosre than the previous edition (look at the 2005 holster rule changes).
For all these reasons I'm saying that Mr. Watson's suggestion has merit - and avoids the hassle that you would undoubtedly encounter if you asked IDPA to set up a BUG classifcation as part of the rules structure for major matches. Of course, the best (better?) choice might be to find a friendly, thoughtful MD who would allow you to shoot the match with your pocket holster - presuming he won't find himself fielding similar requests from shooters who don't possess your level of training (and are thus less likely to be able to use a pocket holster in a safe manner).
This is kinda like (but not the same as) a shooter asking if he can practice 360 degree scans using Position SUL after he finishes a stage. Maybe safe for a few shooters who have that training, but a real safety hazard in most cases.
Just my $.02