re: Is pepper overused as an ingredient pre cooking?

Salt and Pepper are nothing alike.

Salt is a mineral with a very high melting point.

Pepper is a dried berry.

Pepper is just a popular flavor in our culture.

That being said. Depends on the cooking method. It can flavor the meat in a similiar way a rub does and is often used in them. But if your using a high heat application it will definitely burn.