That's true, endoperez, but not really the point we're making. The show establishes clear differences of philosophy and capability between the bending disciplines.

Airbenders hold a philosophy of defense and non-violence, and airbending focuses on defense and evasion. In our system, airbenders get bonuses to their AC and a substantial number of powers aimed at increasing their mobility and forcing opponents away.

Waterbenders focus on balance and change philosophically, and waterbending is balanced and flowing, transforming an opponent's aggressive energy into a counter-attack and making their defense into a strong offense. In our system, waterbenders have abilities like Tentacle and Water Whip that can be either defensive or offensive.

Earthbenders are strong and stable, focusing on tradition and a strong foundation philosophically. Earthbending relies on strong stances and is balanced between defense and offense. Earthbenders have access to defensive techniques like Earth Wall as well as offensive techniques like Column and Immobilize.

Firebenders are passionate and aggressive, focusing their philosophy on energy, speed, and power. Firebending is almost entirely lacking in defensive techniques and is all about the power of a quick, devastating, overwhelming offense. Almost every firebending technique is about dealing damage.

It is in this context that we're concerned about a firebender's ability to deal damage. Absent these distinctions, it wouldn't really matter nearly as much, since every class can be used effectively and even firebenders don't need to rely on damage all the time. Look at Explosion or Fire Whip or the examples of firebending you bring up. However, the show establishes that firebenders should be better at dealing damage than any other benders.

At least, that's why I'm concerned about this issue.

Mephibosheth