How these stories often use extreme power dynamics to actually explore deep levels of mutual trust and negotiated boundaries.
The appeal of "training" as a metaphor for personal growth, discipline, or the exploration of identity.
If you are looking for a more historical or sociological perspective, we can focus on the evolution of Leather and BDSM culture within the gay community.
How these traditional "training" dynamics have shifted from physical community spaces to online fiction and digital roleplay.