Well, from my view, submission is not a "gift". A gift is implied that it is freely given... and can be taken back. That doesn't fit into Gorean context very well.

I once read an excellent essay that summed up this point of view a lot better than I will be able to do so here. I didn't bookmark it at the time, and have regretted it ever since.

Viewing submission as a gift puts the slave on a pedestal. She must be revered and worshipped in order to be granted her "gift". And if you don't keep her happy... well she will just go ahead and take her gift right back.

If submission is a gift it turns the entire concept of D/s on its head. The sub has the control... the power. Now for some BDSMers this is just fine. They believe that the true power lies with the sub. But for Goreans this isn't and shouldn't be the case. How many girls with the true heart of a kajira could ever be really and truly happy knowing that she could defy her Master's orders or get up and walk away at any time?

A kajira submits because she can't help herself... it is a desire that burns deep within her belly.

A kajira submits because a Master demands nothing less of her.

In my relationship, we clearly make the distinction. I didn't give Him my submission... He took it from me.