People keep asking me why I don't "trust" DMs, why I have such a dim view of "mother may I" mechanics and stuff that depends on an unquenchable wellspring of DM goodwill and benevolence.
@jasper 's post, right
there. That's why. As you say: the attitude that inspired that kind of writing is
the attitude I dislike so much. And it is accepted completely uncritically--even
lauded--by actual posters here and now.
So,
@overgeeked, why do you distrust
players so much? What's good for the goose is good for the gander. If players are supposed to recognize and avoid crappy behavior from DMs, why aren't DMs supposed to recognize and avoid crappy behavior from players? As so many here are so fond of emphasizing, the DM is the one with all the cards. The DM is the one with the "absolute power."