Are the majority of carpets in the UK not man made's also ? I understand what you're saying about the effort required, but I think the effort required in stopping a rotary from running amock is greater and slight pressure on either side will cause a change of direction.
The main difference, is the same as you get with an orbital sander, compared to a rotary sander, one will rip through the finish and into the metal, gouging as it goes, the other can be held, or moved slowly without damage, but still doing the same job.
What I wondered , is, does a larger soft white pad that would emulate the Cimex system exist, that could be very interesting.
rob m