The confusion here is there are a few different ways of playing D&D and many different types of DMs out there.
This is an important point. There’s not really a “right” way to play so much as a “right way for your group”.
I don’t think D&D specifically does a good job of guiding groups into finding what they’ll enjoy. It comes loaded with a lot of assumptions, and then different players can sit down at a table without realizing how different their axioms are.
DMs are encouraged to be the guides for players, some players may not even know what type of player they will be until they sit down and play.
I agree there can be quite a range of differences for how people play. A balanced campaign can at least keep both role players and dungeon junkies happy, I feel.
This is an important point. There’s not really a “right” way to play so much as a “right way for your group”.
I don’t think D&D specifically does a good job of guiding groups into finding what they’ll enjoy. It comes loaded with a lot of assumptions, and then different players can sit down at a table without realizing how different their axioms are.
DMs are encouraged to be the guides for players, some players may not even know what type of player they will be until they sit down and play.
I agree there can be quite a range of differences for how people play. A balanced campaign can at least keep both role players and dungeon junkies happy, I feel.