The unbalanced game is more dynamic

Here's a thought that's been in my head that's derived from aircraft design (air combat is a hot topic in my mind these days so bear with me). Jet fighters are inherently unstable. You want them to be that way so they'll respond quickly. It's the pilot and the flight computer that keep them stable.

This has lead me to consider the following question. Are we doing a disservice to a tabletop RPG when we "balance" the game? When "balance" is done so every player has an opportunity to contribute and participate equally during a session are we using rules and game mechanics to solve a social problem which should be best solved socially? Is this "RPG flight computer" crippling the game? Making it more sluggish? Turning our "jet fighter" into a comfortable "jetliner".



Image source
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/aero/background/tools/