you are now starting to make some very valid points....reduced impact forces, absorption and impact speed is certainly a counter argument to no pads, but I think lighter pads and more shock absorbing helmets is certainly a way to go
There are more and more concussions in soccer, especially in the school level. Why? Because you don't have to hit your head to get a concussion. A concussion can happen when you are traveling at a high speed and then you are not, either you fall or get hit. Your skull stops, but your brain is still moving and bounces around the inside of your head. Your skull actually causes the concussion.
You will not be able to reduce the force or speed of most football hits unless you slow down the game considerably. And then, as someone said, you may as well just watch rugby.