Yes, well, the relationship with canon a part of comfort is NOT :) But for me the comfort comes from more than predictability - it is also a non-judgmental atmosphere in which kinks are not a thing to be ashamed of and concealed. There are people who proclaim that they are reading fics for their novel psychological insights, quick wit, postmodernist play of ideas, literary excellence and other exalted qualities, and I do not doubt that at some point all that may be found there - depends on what level the reader was before the fic. But - honestly and maturely - I have some psychological needs that have to be met until they disappear (and I work on that), so fics are a needful thing and it is nice not to be ashamed of it.

I remember the time when I went through exceedingly messy separation, divorce and remarriage - I was not able to read anything more profound than Harlequin novels, even longer works of Nora Roberts were beyond me :) - and I had to conceal the sordid state of affairs or listen unpleasant remarks about my taste. Well, it is nice not to be ashamed anymore. Though now I have grown so independent that I can admit liking SF/F, anime, Nora Roberts, harlequins and fanfics :) Kudos to fandom, I say.