How do you know? Are you privy to Pahimar's conversations?
I have no need to be privy to them. Balance is 100% subjective. Period.
Yes, and you've stated that it's ok if an author comes to such conclusions entirely on their own, but if they listen to input from others it becomes unacceptable.
If they take into consideration sure but if they allow the public to control the direction of their mod it's not okay.