No they did not! You're simply trying to ignore the rules.
It certainly is due the look and feel, but if it was just cosmetics, it wouldn't need to be a rule. Then armours wouldn't mention material, or say something like "Metal or bone plates" and the druids not wearing metal would be in their class fluff.
I don't know why it is so damn hard for connect 1+1, you have two obvious elements provided: the class doesn't use items made of a thing and the items tell you whether they're made of the thing. It is blindingly obvious that these things have meant to interact!
I really can't be bothered with your bizarre strawmen any more. The rule is meant to cover a common a situation that comes across right at character creation every time that everyone makes a druid and even total noobs can easily understand it. They will never try to invent half-plates made of marshmallow to wear! Now you can continue to not believe in the rules, it ultimately is not my problem as I thankfully never need to play with you.