I'm iffy about rules. For example, I was pushed through management where I work based on raw capability alone. My scores on formal tests and evaluations were the highest, including above the former GM (now fired) and veteran management. I now act as a Department Manager over the People, which is hiring, firing, resolving internal issues, training, scheduling, etc. Now, I'm also the youngest manager, been there the second shortest, have had my certification the shortest amount of time, etc. I set these precedents to explain that not so long ago, I was crew. I was the guy just being in and out to get the paycheck, work done, nothing else. It's only been a few months. Seeing both side in a work environment, you see your outlook change, but mine being so rushed, I see the stark contrast. Some rules are arbitrary. They're set up with an overall goal in mind, not a situational one. There are and will forever be scenarios when the rules don't apply or can be bend and have quality results without being oppressive. Understanding internal mechanics and structure is key. How does it work? Why does it exist? What purpose does it serve? What does it hope to achieve? What are its detriments? What are its advantages? In what situation is it a larger detriment than advantage and is it acceptable to set the precedent that anyone whom can evaluate its usefulness has the right to disregard it?

Those are a ton of questions I see answered differently not only from manager to manager, but from GM-to-GM and even branch administrators. They vary. There is no "correct perspective" because even at the highest link in the chains, variation exists. That said, the concept applies to roleplay, but roleplay is just as complex. How does a rule work? Why does it exist? What purpose does it servE? What does it hope to achieve? What are its detriments? What are its advantages? In what situations is it a larger detriment than advantage and is it acceptable to set the precedent that anyone whom can evaluate its usefulness has the right to disregard it? That will vary person to person, GM to GM, writer to writer and most importantly differ rule to rule. The issue arises when people begin bending rules for no productive reason. The people who want to go against the norm just to go against the norm. Even in high school, I hated the idea of nonconformity just to make a point. Go to war. See everyone ducking for cover? You bet your sweet ass you're going to conform. If not, you're either soon-to-die or about to score a medal of honor or purple heart, if not just some meager mention on some memorial. There are logical reasons for patterns, but that doesn't always make it the most logical course of action.

Edit: Fuck Pumpkin Spice Coffee creamer. Fuck Pumpkin Spice anything. White Chocolate or gtfo.