[cokkblock]

I think the point of buying in for the maximum is to maximize value with your hands. So let's say you're playing 100NL in a HU pot and you have the nuts: you have the chance to get a full value of $100 for your hand rather than a shortstacked value of < $100.

On the other hand, the advantage of shortstacking is that you're minimizing risk. So in doing so, you're either moving up to a new level, or you're simply not that good and you're playing with scared money. And I think that's why you're viewed upon as a donk. You're simply not that good to comfortably play at those stakes.