I'm so glad you are reading through the old threads and responding. There is much to be learned from these threads!
I just have to caution an using such absolutes as 'always' and 'never' as you do in your answer. It misleads people in thinkingthat a Dominant partner is somehow super-human.
A person I considered a mentor a long time ago used to say: If you don't want conflict or disappointment, go and work with flowers.
People disappoint. It doesn't mean they are bad. Just that they are human.
And although I respect my Doms Very deeply, I have to be honest and say I have disappointed them, and they, me.
Just as no-one is always in control... However, when punishing, control should be a minimum requirement.
Just_ine