I have had the same questions @darcturian
I turned to NLP to help me hack my own self out of self-imposed limitations and then started also recognizing how many people turn to NLP to essentially "hack" others to do what they want.
@paps I agree with you that learning to improve communication with others is a merit-worthy reason to learn about NLP.
I suppose it's the INTENT that's important... I personally use such techniques to get across the genuine me in situations... but I respect free-will... so if I said here, check out my latest post on beliefs here ... I'm not manipulating you to do so... but I'd be grateful if you gave it a read... my intent is good, although subconsciously I may using some sort of magick ;)
I agree with what you said. I also use techniques for improved communication with others.
I'll give your post a look. (But only because I think you are cool and make good points. hahaha)