There's probably a really academic discussion to be had here about simulationist versus narrativist models of story construction. MST3k nails the latter position.
Wow, I was completely unfamiliar with GNS theory until now… thank you! It really helps explains some of the thoughts I've had while building (no other word, really) Starter Marriage.
As to the original question: Yes, one could say that most MC dom protags lack imagination as to what they could "really" do with their abilities. Sometimes, you try to come up with a narrative explanation for that, and sometimes, you just roll with it.