Content creates form, form follows function. In iaido and in the dojo the purpose provides the content, the form follows. The form can be “right” but fully wrong if at that time it does not follow the purpose.
For example: When the teacher shows seiza or explains sitting in seiza, proper form is to sit in seiaza as well. – yet if you are not used to sit in seiza, ore injured, you are in pain, if you are in pain, you cant concentrate, if you cant concentrate you cant follow the explanation… so sitting in seiza to a point of pain and great discomfort does not support the purpose.. the content is that you are learning, and the teacher is conveying information, - in this case, it follows you will NOT sit in seiza, or change your position when needed so you can follow the instruction.
When practicing seiza, not being used to the motion, your feet might hurt, or it might be greatly uncomfortable. You will decide how much discomfort you can tolerate in order to condition your body to become able to do it without discomfort. In this case, the discomfort is part of the practice, and not distracting unless, - the discomfort rises to the point that all your other actions get effected, then you need to find a intermediate position allowing you to approach the proper position over time.
The purpose of a dojo is to teach, to enable individual to learn iaido and the social and cultural aspects of the art. – but following the form of behavior without understanding it’s purpose is without value.
For example, if a class is going on, and the teacher is teaching the class, it would be impolite to walk through the room, so it would be polite to wait until the teacher gives you permission (signs to you, tells you) that it is ok to cross over. … however, it is impolite of the teacher to let someone wait, and especially if the person wanting to cross is senior or a teacher of your or an other art in there own right.
If you understand that the purpose is to be polite, and to be kind, then the solution should come easy to you.
Rules are important, but if you understand there purpose you should know when you should NOT follow them, or amend, bend them to fulfill there purpose. Because, form follows content, and form without content is empty and without meaning.