J. Walton I think you underestimate the cultural significance of the GM. This is the one area where I think the Forge critique of “GM as mystery cult leader” actually lands. I can’t count the number of times a game group I’ve been a part of or just joined would say, almost frantically, “We’ll play whatever you want to run!” And these are groups where I have no particular cachet except willingness to take on the GM role.

I think this is the equivalent of rolling in to a convention and just going to whatever game has an open slot.