Real-life example of such an argument: “The ends justify the means.”
Funny that you should (so conveniently) happen to put it that way.
Except, of course, for some (much? most?) of the material in the footnotes; however, as mentioned, such details are cheetahs.
I’m not referring to pica, which is generally held to represent a compulsion even when a person understands the conventional distinctions within the nebulous set of “eatables.”
Although there are known complexities around essentially forcing people to rely upon the DCP, having the option available supports the person’s informed decisions around accessing the depths and breadths of their communities.
…in a reality where no such Water Spirits existed…
You scoff, but there are loads of doctors like this. Just take a look at the wack quack attack that calls itself “America’s Frontline Doctors” (aka “America’s Funniest Home Doctors”), including: