I've always though that the relationship between avoid and dodge as the same
as the relationship between damage resistance and parry. One is a natural
ability which can be augmented magically, while the other represents a
trained, practiced skill. Someone trained in the art of putting a shield in
front of an incoming blow will still feel the impact of the blow, but in a
non-damaging way. Give him a crappier shield, or no shield, and his ability to
deflect blows is reduced or removed entirely. However, when the blow lands, he
can still resist the effects with his damage resistance.

Avoid and dodge I think work the same way. Dodge represents something specific
you're actively trying to do that requires concentration and practice (it's
not just about ducking, after all, or it wouldn't cost so much exp). It's a
fluid, acrobatic, and more importantly difficult physical activity. Weigh
yourself down, and you're handicapping yourself in that regard. However, avoid
is more along the lines of natural ability, instinct, and again magical
effects. Your body naturally flinches when you see an attack coming (at least,
mine does) and you move to protect yourself. It takes a lot of skill and
training to control that reflex into a more useful pattern, but it's still
there. These instinctive dodges, as part of your body's natural reflexes, are
less affected by excess weight you're carrying, which your subconscious can
deal with far more easily than your conscious mind.

Also, it would be an unfair double-penalty to have weight drop dodge AND
avoid.

Shinarae Lluminus