I'm reading so very often people complaining that their Sorcerer/Monk/Ranger whoever doesn't do as much damage as some other class, and I'm wondering why some of us assume that all characters should deal damage equally. My understanding of the game is that different classes have strengths and weaknesses, and that the litmus test is whether or not my character has a chance to shine, not whether or not I can do 80 points of damage (which is one of many ways to shine).
Your understanding is perhaps a tad naive or, maybe just optimistic, but yes, the idea in 5e is that the classes are meant to be distinct, evocative, and fun - and a starting point that the DM should feel free to mod/ban/add-to/etc - not a tightly-balanced set of equivalent options.
If you find one class better than others, play that class. Simple.
But why is damage output so often the be all and end all? It's only a third of the game (the others being exploration and social interaction).
It's just easy to calculate. In the combat pillar, DPR can be seen as a less 'situational' capability than others, even if those others might sometimes swing a combat, or just be really cool/dramatic/fun now and then.
Disclaimer: I am newly reacquainted to D&D (haven't played since 2nd Edition). Am I feeling this way because I haven't lived through 4th Edition and it's emphasis on combat? Thoughts?
No, your disequilibrium is because missed 3.x/Pathfinder, that was the height of the player-empowerment, builds, RAW (Rules As Written) obsession and optimization.
Of course, you can optimize in any game, (people even did in 2e and earlier, just not so formally and with fewer tools, with 'gaming the DM' perhaps being the most critical form of powergaming), and people did bring that 3.x mentality forward into Pathfinder (which embraced it), 4e (in spite of it being fairly well-balanced), and 5e (in spite of it's more classic-D&D style).
Anyway, if you ignore the naysayers, you should find returning to D&D with 5e after last enjoying 2e an easy, comfortable, and rewarding transition. Welcome back, and enjoy your D&D.