Hi JC - In principle, I agree wholeheartedly.
You may notice that the Mentors and Moderators often step into discussions and suggest that the poster consult their provider.

But...
Not everyone can get into Mayo - their care is a limited resource
Not all providers are accessible or can/will take the time to explain
Some of us do not have choices and cannot get a trusted doctor of our choice - the "medical desert" is real - friends in rural Michigan have access to one NP one hour away - specialty care is three hours away and takes months to get in.
Some have insurance that limits their choice of/access to providers
20% of people in the US have no medical insurance
Some of us have rare conditions, for which we don't have ready access to knowledgeable specialists. We use MCC to educate ourselves, and then hopefully our providers or to help us find new providers.
Some just want to hear from others who are walking their same path.

I had a trusted and beloved PCP who was pushed out of primary care because the company demanded immense caseloads. That was over two years ago and I have literally tried 6 other PCP's since then, and am about to ask to be accepted by a seventh. Several of those I tried just aren't knowledgeable enough for my older body with many issues, others were only willing to "go with the script" and one looked like he just rolled out of bed and put his lab coat on over his sweats and came to work without combing his hair. It has been humbling to go through what many of our members do and feel powerless to get to the right provider.