Why outlaw bats?

[crumii]

I just stumbled on this forum, so I apologize if this has been a topic of conversation in the recent past.

I understand the need for certain limits to be placed on softball bats, but what is the purpose of the ASA (and other organizations) outlawing certain bats after one season? Did they not test the bat before the season? It seems like a big racket between the ASA and the bat manufacturers. Either a bat meets the ASA standard or it doesn't. Does the ASA lower their standard each year? Is there some logic here that I am missing?

Thanks for your opinions!