Well personally I do both. My focus is on the WMA, but I also do Niten Ichi Ryu Kenjitsu. But I feel that it is the closest to the European style of swordfighting. That though is another topic.
I understand how dificult it is to prove the effectiveness of the Western styles when the Eastern stuff has been mystified. Try telling them you will work out with them doing the Kenjitsu if they work with you doing Longsword.
The plan sounds good. Try also reading Christian Tobler's book on Ringeck. I believe it is available at Paladin Press. Once you have an understanding of the basics and teminology, try getting a copy of one of the old Fechtbuchs and compare the actual books to the modern translations. It's not an easy task, but will really help in understanding the original techniques and mindset. For the Sword and Buckler, get Paul Wagner and Steven Hand's book on Fectbuch I.33. That is available at Chivalry Bookshelf. Go through all the links you can find on the ARMA site as well as others. We have a bunch of great links over at our site at www.livesteelfightacademy.com Also on our forum. But I'd say ARMA has the best colection of downloadable manuals. Understand that I'm not a member of ARMA, but my school and ARMA are friends. I love going through all the stuff on this site. But remember one thing, students of defense were called Scholars. We are not just fighters, but we study and learn. It is an intellectual pursuit. It's great you are doing this on your own, shows initiative and drive. But it won't be an easy path. Pay attention to every little detail. Things are written for a reason.
And I know what you mean about the SCA. There are some rules that I personally laugh at. Here on the NorthEast of U.S. the SCA fighters are honestly laughable. But like others said, there are some that are into the real stuff. Bill Willson of the Tatershall School of Defense is one. His book on Italian Rapier is a great intro into basic Italian Rapier. One of the best I've seen. Although I've yet to find an SCA fighter willing to fight me. But I don't follow rules as a fight has none. I will kick, punch and grapple. I won't do anything to seriously harm someone like gouge, but I will pull a Coup de Jarnac.
But also look at the ISMAC in Lansing Michigan. It is one of the largest gathering of Masters in one place, close to home. Jared Kirby who is one of the organizers is a great guy and great swordsman. He is a student under Meistro Martinez of New York. And he supplies copies of most of the old manuscripts for dirt cheap.
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