The problem isn't min-maxing, but a failure of communication between the GM and each individual player amongst each other. Whether the game be more loose and based around less powerful characters, or "powergaming" to tackle much more intense challenges, that's for the players to decide, and it goes a hell of a lot smoother when they can agree to just what it is that they want.
At the end of the day it's the players who decide which way is the "right" way to play and enjoy the game, the opinions of literally anyone else don't matter.
"This woman has come in contact with Tokyo's manga. She is Unclean and would lead we righteous ones astray."
