So far, I've touched on objective objections to the idea of NPC HP bumps. I have a subjective dislike of the idea too.
I feel I have to work for my HPs; they require cunning, inventive or amusing play. In our games, at the end of a session, we have to convince the Narrator that we DESERVE extra HPs (the individual, discretionary points). If this subsequently enables me to dispatch the evil bad guy, haven't I EARNED the right to do so?
I think I would feel cheated if I had spent any HPs in a contest, and then an NPC spent some. In effect, each NPC HP negates one of mine, game mechanically. I don't get that HP back again; its as if I'd never had it. Your amusing role-playing earned you a +1 HP several sessions ago? Not anymore, it was, in fact, worthless.
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