I think that how each person expresses themselves is up to them within the terms of service of the site.
If we start to regulate use of emoticons, what might follow? More strict spelling requirements? The demand for accurate grammar? Who is going to “police” all this?
Personally I am happy for posters to use as few or as many emoticons as they feel the need to.
Methinks it is much ado about nothing; just my 2c worth as an under user of emoticons.
Cheers
Dennis