There are TWO main philosophies regarding the Flame phenomenon. Element-centric and Attribute-centric.
Overall
The term 'attribute’ probably sprung up around the same time 'element’ did (like a million years ago when the True Earth people taught the Art of Flames to the humans; or when the humans overthrew the True Earthlings and stole the Flames from them, depending on which country’s Flame Expert you ask), being used more among the populace, while 'element’ and its respective language equivalents were used among rulers and leaders where Loyalty Bonds were more commonly used.
The Underworld and the mafia (and thus the people more affiliated with them) use 'element’ more often than 'attribute’ when explaining the nature of Flames. 'Flames' is capitalized for them as an indication that they consider it a proper entity and place more value in it.
The outer fringes of Flame researches use 'attribute’ more than 'element’. The more affiliated with the criminal underworld their are, the more they employ gangs and mafia folk, the more likely they are to use 'element’.
Kakishima (among others) adheres to the 'attribute’ philosophy exclusively, and they are trying to educate the rest of the world in that philosophy now that Flames have gone public. They do not consider 'flames' as anything more than an energy-type.
The Underworld and the mafia (and thus the people more affiliated with them) use 'element’ more often than 'attribute’ when explaining the nature of Flames. 'Flames' is capitalized for them as an indication that they consider it a proper entity and place more value in it.
The outer fringes of Flame researches use 'attribute’ more than 'element’. The more affiliated with the criminal underworld their are, the more they employ gangs and mafia folk, the more likely they are to use 'element’.
Kakishima (among others) adheres to the 'attribute’ philosophy exclusively, and they are trying to educate the rest of the world in that philosophy now that Flames have gone public. They do not consider 'flames' as anything more than an energy-type.