Why so much Emphasis on Icebreakers?

Problem - Too much emphasis is being placed on icebreakers. Icebreakers aren't about getting support, they don't seem to be in line with the core puprose of the site. The time leaders put into icebreakers could be going towards more support related activities. They also reduce anonymity. When people are sharing details of issues they want to get support on, plus their favourite book, animal, childhood memory etc etc etc there are more personal details being shared that allow others to identify them. I know I have felt 'called out' when I have chcosen not to answer an icebreaker.

I also feel like the purpose of icebreakers themselves have been lost. They are typically used within a group to get people talking, or as a way to talk to someone new. I find the icebreakers are often thrown in after people have already been talking and they actually are breaking up that flow.

Solution - Put more emphasis on support and less on icebreakers.

Detailed Solution 1 - Drop any requirements for icebreakers to be used by leadership in support areas, this doesn't mean fun things can't be done in these areas, nor does it mean that icebreakers cannot be used at all in these areas. It allows leadership to focus more on the specific needs of the community though and only use icebreakers when appropriate, instead of doing so to meet some target. As an example, I think for condition-specific group room discussions starting a question off of "What do you think condition X is?" does get people talking all on it's own. Prior to the discussion starting, there are often people supporting each other. Throwing an icebreak in between takes time away from both people supporting each other as well as the discussion. If no one was chatting in the room to begin with and the host is waiting for a few more to drop in, then I can understand using a quick topic to get people chatting before the official discussion questions begin. This initial chat topic can be one of the typical icebreaker questions or it can be moreso geared towards small talk while serving the same purpose plus avoiding some of the potentially identifying information. Ie. How are you feeling today? Are you having a busy day?

Detailed Solution 2 - Place more emphasis on support. It seems like there are regular cheers for people to participate with icebreakers, what if we directed this effort towards encouraging others to support those who are looking for support instead.

I'm confused as to why icebreakers were ever so strongly promoted here, especially when I see support aspects can be strengthened, is there something I'm not seeing?