slave_jonathan-
I like your response. I agree that many dommes and subs have sterile relationships. I've had a few subs seem to get confused when I want to get to know anything personal about them. In my opinion, you can't truly control someone when you don't know much about them. If you don't know that they have a weekly Poetry Club meeting, you can't use the attendence of that club as a punishment or reward, or require them to write poetry for you, for example. There is so much that can be done when you really know someone.
I do develop affection for my subs. I don't feel that my cats are equal to me, but I still like them, even love them. I think the same applies to my subs. They may be my inferiors, but some care is there, and I can respect them in some ways, even as I debase them.
At least, that is how it is for me.
Mistress Madame, this was a great question. Thanks, even if the subs haven't given us much input.