I have a theory about this: people have trouble fantasizing about things that are Just Good, because I guess it feels too unrealistic. so if you add drawbacks then they’re able to fantasize about it

but also, if you add a second Good Thing but frame it like a Bad Thing, that sometimes works too. especially if it would actually be a Bad Thing for certain people

here’s an example of “good thing + drawback”:

• would you drink a potion that turns you into your ideal form, but you randomly transform back to your old form for 1 day per month?

and here’s an example of “good thing + {another good thing disguised as a drawback}”:

• would you transfer your consciousness to an android body that was designed by you in a character creator, even if it meant you became the property of [insert pic of very hot techie girl]?

anyway I think this is a big part of why CYOAs work so well, and why it’s often so satisfying to make TTRPG characters