When we stick spar, we tend not to use padded sticks as they take the realism and impetus to avoid stikes and usually have every one "taking one to give one".  Since to alot of us the stick represents the blade, taking one is not good!

We use regular Rattan with the skin left one, and we use street hockey or lacrosse helemts with a mesh screen over the cage to protect the eyes.  This will keep you from getting your cranium caved in but still make it a little umcomfortable to get hit.

We also use Street hockey or lacross gloves to protect the hand but still give "feedback" if you get hit there.  You can also wear knee and elbow pads. 

Now when you spar, and get hit, you will feel the value of having good footwork and evaasion techniques...

Absolutely correct. We do use padded sticks but the mindset is the same to avoid, evade, strike, strike, strike.... As far as realism goes if you are training correctly with honesty and truthfulness to your method and self the tool either padded or not doesn't matter in my humble opinion.