I always took the Slapstick Effect as why people don't mention handwaving normal weapons. After the first few incidents in which the originator is humiliated, damaged, or otherwise injured, people tend to avoid doing it. Like getting shot somewhere painful, but not life-threatening.

"Since escaping from a coach in icy water, swimming a quarter mile in that water, and climbing an ice-encrusted iron ladder does have a tendency to exhaust and chill one, I trust you might understand why I did not choose to wait for you."
-Imager's Intrigue-