Your reaction to professional contact being "quite galling" isn't a big deal for anyone as far as I can see. Other people, as I'm sure you're aware, might actually like and wish for professional contact from their Ts. I say, to each his own. No way is the right way. I might not want contact outside the session with my T, but I sure think it's okay for someone else to want it. Who am I to tell them that no contact is the only way to engage in therapy.

The only time I think it's harmful is when a client doesn't feel strong enough to TELL a T that the contact he/she is giving is not welcome or makes them feel uncomfortable. Some will put up with the discomfort because he/she doesn't want to offend their T.