VN Why are male MC's always pushovers ?

[Meaning Less]

The people that do struggle due to warped social expectations they learned from harem anime were already hopelessly socially inept.

But to a point aren't you also stating the same thing? Those that are already hopeless are the ones that end up being pushed even further into hopelessness:
"Girls never jumped on my cock, I'm sure it was because of [insert insecurity here]"

And I wouldn't doubt the reason OP and other people get mad about the "wimp" trope is because of a similar effect but in reverse:
"I'm not a wimp, girls don't just jump into wimp cocks. Right? someone please confirm to me"

Personally I don't get it, to me all mc depictions are silly and over the top, anyone trying to take porn games seriously is probably a bit hopeless by default.

 

[Chekhovs_Ghost]

I have played a lot of VNs, and in 99% of them the MC is always a pushover. by that I mean most of the characters push them around, and they rarely if ever stand up for themselves, and if they do there is a negative consequence of some kind or somehow you are now the bad they guy. Harem games are especially guilty of this. I mean women are generally attracted to competence, and I don't think wimpy guys who can't stand up for themselves are that. not to mention that the point of a VN is to self insert and wish fulfillment to an extent.

That also extends to the plot, MCs are rarely if ever proactive, the LI or other NPCs are the ones who always drives the plot forward and we are along for the ride.

My question is why is that trope so prevalent ? I don't think the majority of people are fans of doormat MC.

It reminds me of a risque game called masq, which had some story where in one of the first parts of the story a shady new client wants you to immediately fire one of your employees which is also your best friend.

I selected to do so, because it seemed ridiculous and I wanted to see what happened. Your friend leaves the room angrily. Your client was happy, you made the sale saving your company. And once you're outside you highfive your friend as both of you know you'd never do that for real like that.

It was a rare departure from the common occurance.

---

As to your question; I think designers try to appeal to an unattractive userbase or are working from that worldview themselves.

 

[Chalker]

I have played a lot of VNs, and in 99% of them the MC is always a pushover. by that I mean most of the characters push them around, and they rarely if ever stand up for themselves, and if they do there is a negative consequence of some kind or somehow you are now the bad they guy. Harem games are especially guilty of this. I mean women are generally attracted to competence, and I don't think wimpy guys who can't stand up for themselves are that. not to mention that the point of a VN is to self insert and wish fulfillment to an extent.

That also extends to the plot, MCs are rarely if ever proactive, the LI or other NPCs are the ones who always drives the plot forward and we are along for the ride.

My question is why is that trope so prevalent ? I don't think the majority of people are fans of doormat MC.

I wouldn't say the protagonist is supposed to be a self-insert, but they have to be relatable enough or just us sympathize with them.
And the reason why they are pushovers... I guess people like them like that, if you feel the need for ultra-dominant guys in adult games, you could always try making your own. Otherwise, the trends will be set by people who are not you.

 

[VMiller]

I wouldn't say the protagonist is supposed to be a self-insert, but they have to be relatable enough or just us sympathize with them.
And the reason why they are pushovers... I guess people like them like that, if you feel the need for ultra-dominant guys in adult games, you could always try making your own. Otherwise, the trends will be set by people who are not you.

Authors write about such because it's easier. A witty and charismatic protagonist is very difficult to compose.