I think I just realized something: I basically think about pacifism like poverty & celibacy: in some sense a 'higher' calling, as it more closely imitates Christ & the eschatological life, but also not required of all Christians

And, indeed, like poverty & celibacy, the visible Church would not be able to be maintained if all Christians practiced it.

Still sorta thinking through this take, so if this seems wildly off-base please feel free to let me know.