The feeling most definitely can't be faked. Because then fissures occur, and things start to collapse. Doms who are really Doms (and not just assholes carrying the empty title to get their sick kicks on unsuspecting subs) would never coerce a sub into play or cause unnecessary harm. The goal is to guide, discipline and bring the sub to a place where he/she feels safe, valued and cared for; a place of refuge where fetishes can be explored and emotions worked out; a safe sub-space. Without trust and the willingness to listen and let go, that can't happen.
Being coerced and kicked around is not what a sub needs. That's what I'm dealing with right now.