it has been my experience that authentic is prefered, until it starts interfering with enjoyment. if your not enjoying what you're doing whats the point, right? that goes for those around you too. don't ruin someone elses fun for the sake of 'being right' . In some instances, the Authenticity Nazis are wrong anyways. If something existed or could have existed at the time they have no right to say something is wrong. Unless they have seen every piece of clothing ever worn from said period, which they obviously couldn't have. 200-300 years from now reenacters will be argueing that capes aren't period for our time, but by gosh I wear them in this time period, so they will be wrong won't they? In conclusion "applause", do what makes you happy and let the next guy worry about his own garb, kit, costume, what ever.