while I do agree that a lot of stuff that is declared superior by the high-end players does bleed into the "mainstream" of the playerbase, it can in no way be expected that the majority even cares about optimization and min-maxing. not everybody will play or even want to play at the highest level and efficiency possible. yes, there will inevitably be a meta among the high-end players, but that segment of players will also be a very small percentage of the overall playerbase - the elite will always be a minority.
also, when it comes to one build performing better than another, there are so many more factors to consider other than "the damage/healing output is higher". if we go ahead using WoW as an example, three things to mind right away, if we ignore variance that a human player inevitably introduces to the equation;
- stat weights
- number of constant targets within an encounter
- length of the encounter
even if I have seemingly very good gear, if it doesn't provide me the secondary stat which my build/spec primarily utilizes, my performance won't be anywhere near optimal. secondly, if a boss encounter has more than one target available most of the time - maybe twin bosses, constant stream of small adds, etc. - classes/specs/builds with good cleave or multidotting will always shine. lastly, if your class/spec/build relies on burst for high damage output, you will most likely perform better in a short encounter, or one with clear burn phases.
I understand what you mean. But I am not referring to class roles. Yes, a class may perform better at AOE than at ST. But I am talking about single scenarios, for example just ST. ( I main Frost mage in WoW, personally I care less for my class to do top AOE as long there's another DPS class in the group that has better AOE toolkit BUT not necessary the strongest AOE in the game, it will suffice. Even a lower geared MM hunter can out DPS me if i cast 15 Frostbolts with 0 procs - it happens /cries ).
Because of this DPS meter we even have those charts online with the DPS ranking. Less experienced players will just look at them and pick what they see it performs better or spec performs. Some of those people will refuse X class in a group because "hey, why should i take you when Y class can perform even better" - regardless you can finish your objective with either - after a few rejects X gets frustrated.
Stats weights: Worth mentioning? hmm.... you obviously need a minim set of gear/stats to perform a certain content. That's normal. I am talking about class performance itself, i guess.
Number of targets: i already mentioned it.
Length of the encounter: see "stats weight' -> have the gear requirement for that content and go with it. Does not matter if i do 1.700.000 dps ST and another class has 1.400.000 DPS ST. Because we don't have DPS Meter and people won't have means to compare us. Everyone is happy.
I have no problem with any other addons: for gathering, customize UI etc, but if you allow those then you have to allow the other one as well.
It's my personal opinion ,after seeing it in WoW, that on the long run it's not a healthy perk. It would not happen over night, but eventually. That's what i believe and I simply don't agree with it and there's that