If we are to go by industrial standards, such as suggested by NFPA79e, the use of the pin XLR as an output is a violation of code. The pins carry signal (voltage) and are susceptible to shorts.
However, the industry has gone the other way, with pins being the output, receptacles being the input. I think what Frank is really trying to ask is should we continue to abide by what the industry is doing, or do it the right way with the pins as the input, receptacles as the output.
Personally, I think mic manufacturers started the problem putting pin-outs on the mics and the chain just kept going that way, even if it was wrong.
Wayner