I think Players should question the reason for a rule, but not try and argue against it. The GM made the thread, so in my opinion, it's their rules to choose.

As a GM, I talk to my players like I talk to anyone. Half the time it's joking death threats, keeping people up to date on what's going on, and most of all, keeping them engaged and interested in the RP. The moment you let them wander off, and your OOC starts to become sluggish, you've probably lost them.