No one is debating what the rules of golf state. Most serious golfers (I suggest a definition here as people who play tournaments, practice as often as play a round, attempt to understand the golf swing) play by all of the rules of golf.
I think golf should still be enjoyed. I really do not care what my partners do as long as they enjoy this great game. I play by all of the rules and that brings me enjoyment. And I have no problem with my father dropping when he is out of bounds or taking the incorrect drop from a yellow staked hazard. He enjoys his saturday round as much as I do.
When I was a kid I loved basketball. We played Horse, 21, follow the leader, 3 on 3, 1 on 1, etc. I played basketball everyday and I really loved the game, but we were not following the rules of basketball.
Just my internet 2 cents (no real space value)