Are one's likes linked to identity?

We've discussed WHAT folks like or don't like in a story, but I don't know if we've ever tried to see if there was a pattern to these preferences based on whether one identifies as a Top or bottom, and furthermore, if other things then factor in like gender and orientation? It's an interesting concept and based on other real life conversations I think there might well be a difference in what appeals based on role. So? Any thoughts?

Interesting question.

Concerning tops and bottoms. I have often read stuff and tried to guess if the author is themselves a Sub or a Dom, and honestly, I don't think I can always tell. Both might enjoy the same piece from opposite perspectives, that is if both roles are well fleshed out.

Certainly one of the roles should be "well fleshed out".

nothing beats that, that and a well thrashed out plot is a recipe for a top hit!

I think it differs from author to author. Some authors like to stay close to their own experiences and/or fantasies, while others like to explore a bit more for better or for worse. As for myself, I don't really know as my "role identity" is rather weak, and I seem to be more attracted to spanking as a phenomenon than to any particular role. If I have a favorite point-of-view, it's probably that of a female spankee - which is something I'm definitely not - but it's still the most fascinating role in the spanking theater for me.

As an author, I will sometimes write a story from a particular point of view, then find it works better from another. There are opportunities to turn phrases and flesh out (thrash out?) plots in some stories, that wouldn't present with a different point of view. If I'm struggling to tell the tale I'm trying to, I may change perspective to see if things become clearer.

As a reader, I have enjoyed so many stories from first person spanker and spankee perspectives, as well as third person, that I wouldn't say I have a type. I've also enjoyed some well written stories from multiple/changing points of view that were exceptional.

I suppose the pattern I noticed was a tendency for male Tops to like justice/comeuppance themes, while subs were the ones with a thing for unfairness. I also see a correlation between M/F folks liking strong male HOHs with a sense of fair, loving, yet strict authority. While F/Mers seem to like Tops with a bit of mischief or even outright bitchiness.

However, all these are just things noticed over years of interactions and have no formal polling basis.

I find that if you are fully locked into a story that you are writing then the character can take over. It is most obvious in a first person narrative when you can bring in the person's desires or doubts (both usually). For me it isn't personal preference, although I enjoy imagining the experiences of the characters!

That, I think, is a quite interesting observation, and I have felt it myself. When I - as I usually do - write stories with women on the receiving end, I usually go out of my way to make sure they are treated fairly and deserve whatever they get. The few times I have written stories where men are getting it, I have noticed that I have not had the same urge to treat them fairly - as a matter of fact, I have just let them have it.

KDPierre's second comments certainly resonate from my perspective and my orientation and outlook on life certainly colour the types of story that I enjoy reading.
For me, things should follow 'the natural order'.
I will therefore usully identify with M/F or M/f stories, with deserved but not excessively severe punishments being given in love , with the wellbeing of the young lady being front and centre, and a happy ending. I can enjoy F/F and F/f (but not f/F) and occasionally M/m and F/m if particularly well written. I do NOT enjoy F/M and will normally seek to avoid reading such stories (unless a very small and essential part of a greater whole). The great think about this wonderful library (unlike some others) is that it caters for a tastes and there is something for everyone.