I know what you mean. There are so many things in the Rayne fandom that have become ... fanon I guess you could say. I suppose people want River to have a place on the boat - as in a job. And they're in need of a pilot - or a gun, and that way she can fight with Jayne :D:D

I've been wanting to write a fic with River not filling either of those roles for a while now ... just gotta find the time.