Dear Healers who don't DPS

[Zojha]

What I'm disgusted by is the sexist, stereotypical description of players of healer roles you wrote (without a hint of critical approach), in addition to the stereotype itself.

You're just reading something into it I didn't write. I noted the sexist part as a mere stereotype right off the bat. The words:"Stereotypically ascribed to..." are a dead giveaway that I'm merely pointing out an existing stereotype there, which exists regardless of whether you or I like it or not. Perhaps you were so pre-occupied with being offended that you didn't notice that? Either way, I acknowledged that it is merely a stereotype, I acknowledged that both sexes are playing the role and I acknowledged that it doesn't apply to everyone. I can put a giant, bolded disclaimer in red letters next time if it helps and also elaborate on the difference between sex and gender while I'm at it. Personally, I thought that the critical approach was apparent, but I may just have overestimated my readers. I apologize for that.

[...] and no one is justifying following them on any other role but healer.

Where have you been during the STR meta in HW? Heck, where have you been after SB dropped and the i270 accs were BiS?

Of course tanks tried to justify using VIT accessories because it makes them "tankier", even if it didn't. There are still arguments about tank stance going on right now. They aren't arguing about using damaging abilities at all, but actively fighting people is part of the fantasy even for PLDs. The knight in shiny armor isn't just protecting the princess, he's also slaying the dragon. And DISCLAIMER: THAT AS WELL CONTAINS STEREOTYPES. Bolded and caps'd this time for emphasis, I'll figure out how to make it red later. Similarly, the clash for other jobs isn't as big either.

If you have better theories for why the debate remains so persistent, feel free to shoot. Maybe the sound effects of the spells induce lethargy. Or maybe the letters H e a l e r in that order cause a reaction in the brain that inhibits aggression. Who knows? I don't think there are many scientific studies on that.

And please, don't mistake this as an argument for or against healer DPS, which you seem to do right now. It isn't an argument at all - it's a proposition. It has nothing to do with whether healers should or should not DPS, neither when, why nor how. It's only tangentially relevant in that it seeks to look for reasons why so many apparently don't 'want' to, in spite of it being the superior option. There has to be a reason after all, if you believe in causality. I admit that my theory has its flaws - gladly even. I also agree that it most likely isn't the only factor. I do think it is a big one however.