In the Blind VTC question, @Richard suggested that asking for canon-only sources as answers to questions is "cheating" in a way. I found this to be surprising, as I'd never thought about requesting canon sources as being a form of cheating -- I always ask for answers based in canon or, barring an exact canon-based answer, a subjective answer based in the spirit of canon.
What is the community's feeling on requesting an answer based solely on canon (or, if not possible, an answer based in the spirit of canon)? Is this considered good or bad form, or is it neutral and a matter of personal preference ... ? For example, I frequently, if not almost always, leave a request for a canon-based answer:
I'm looking for a canon-based answer, from sources such as the Harry Potter books, quotes or interviews with J.K. Rowling, or Pottermore. Subjective answers in the spirit of canon are also welcome.
I'm not sure why something like this would be objectionable.
What say you, oh wise users?
ETA: I'm afraid my question may not have been clear. I'm not asking about reasons to VTC, either subjective/opinion-based or off-topic. That is not even remotely a component of my question. I simply want to know if asking for canon-based answers -- as opposed to conjecture, the oft erroneous Wikia-That-Must-Not-Be-Named, or an answer from fan fic -- is appropriate here. That's it. Nothing else. I mentioned @Richard only because his comment got me to thinking about how we ask questions and whether or not it's okay to direct the course of any potential answers by restricting them to canon-based only. Nor am I suggesting placing a "canon-based answer only" at the bottom of a bad, opinion-based, or off-topic questions as a way to skirt the site's rules and expectations. I hope this helps to clarify.
ETA 2: I want to stress that I am not, and never was, advocating a "CANON ONLY" stance. Here are my words, again: I'm looking for a canon-based answer, from sources such as the Harry Potter books, quotes or interviews with J.K. Rowling, or Pottermore. Subjective answers in the spirit of canon are also welcome.
I'm saying, yeah, I prefer an answer grounded in canon, but, barring a canon answer, subjective answers in the spirit of canon are also welcome. I would never suggest or advocate that all answers should be purely canon-based. Nor do I wish to exclude good subjective questions and answers. I'm not sure where the CANON ONLY interpretation came from, but that is not where I'm coming from.
ETA 3: I've changed the title of this question, as the original (CANON ONLY) was polarizing, which was not my intention. My apologies!