Dear Dave,
May I respectfully continue the discussion, you worthy interlocutor? Without entering into the deeper philosophical question about whether there are rights and wrongs (no quotation marks!), let me say this:
I agree with your distinction. Some people, apparently, are into dominance per se and just use tickling as a means to that end--exactly as you said, instead of "whipping or spanking". Let's call these folks "Secondary Ticklers". NOT secondary in value or importance, but secondary in relation to the place of tickling in their sexuality.
My previous post really concerned those of us who are "Primary Ticklers" for whom "the tickling's the thing" and most other methods of exerting control are either not appealing or are even appalling (again--no offense to those who love them). Primary Ticklers (and Ticklees) are not simply "having fun" with laughter-based tickling, it is "serious" sexual stuff.
I believe that for Primary Ticklers laughter is crucial--it's almost the very definition of tickling. It is the "orgasm" of tickling (along with a bit of squirming). Gagging a ticklee is the equivalent--for us Primaries--of dancing with a partner who's wearing a straightjacket.
Good thread, Dave, and thanks a lot for listening.
dig dug dog