I never liked the idea of a Seam battle (because why would they stand in the way of us when it seems like they're just as excited to get all the crystals as we are) BUT the idea that you have to fight with Seam TO purify the crystals feels like a perfect way to warrant a fight.
The Gunlance squad in the Monster Hunter manga also adds some great perspective on how hard hunting actually is.
They are considered exceptional due to how many Quests they've successfully completed.
Their total is... 17 Quests lol
Another cool thing in the Monster Hunter manga:
A splinter-cell of highly militarized Gunlance users within the Guild called Waldbrand ("Forest Fire").
Named such because when battling in formation, their massive Gunlances look like tree trunks that spit fire.