Not that I disagree with the basis of your comments, but will once again cry out against the idea that submission is a gift.

The very word, imo, contradicts the concept of consent. You give a gift, it's given and can't be taken back.

D/s is an exchange. Submission in exchange for dominion. Contracted (verbally or otherwise) until consent is withdrawn or power is returned.

Take it a step further... a gift can't easily be refused. To class submission as a gift implies the dominant has no say in the matter... and if so, there can be no dominion.

And lastly, the reason I so object to the words is that it misleads inexperienced submissives into bad relationships to inexperienced doms who take gifts for granted, discarding them when they grow tired or bored.

Those who enter relationships in a more enlightened manner, those who understand that there are responisbilities on both parties, and that an exchange is occuring, having discussed expectations on both sides, are far likelier to have lasting relationships.