Earn2Trade-Ryan
Sponsor
The Gauntlet is a test. And just like any other test, it should conform to a set of rules that are applicable in the real world.
You are exactly right in thinking about it like a test. I like to think of it very much like it's a certification exam in other industries! You pay a fee, take the exam, and then take that certification and try and get a job paying you what you hope to make. Depending on how you do and your other experience, hopefully you'll get what you want but it could also be less. Helios just happens to be the firm that's offering a spot to those who pass the Gauntlet™.
It’s purely just a risk measurement. The more drawdown you have, the less drawdown the firm wants to give you because it is more risky to do so. I would suggest you adapt your strategy to accommodate the drawdown you wish to receive in your live account. If you want to get the full drawdown, then you should operate as if you were disqualified if you have more drawdown that allowed when funded.
I hope the way I explained it made sense!