I can see a lot of opinions & comments on the QR part and, with respect, I'd like to add that I'm reading this post on a device where I'd like to view the site on the same device, so a QR isn't best for this platform.
I'd go a little further and say that QRs and really only useful for a mediim where you want the user to use a 2nd device (printed media, BSODs, etc)
Also putting the URL in the (for my reader) non-clickable alt-text doesn't help either
Again, with respect, you're making it harder for your audience to reach you, not easier.
TL;DR: I support the change in Rule 3
I think the only thing I'd start rolling my eyes at would be if the posts ended up being low effort photo posts of racks of equipment...
Sure, a nice background story might help, but I want to read about something that'll help me, or help someone understand something I know.
I'm even half interested in cloud based offsite backups as that's a (possibly) necessary safetynet for us.
I think we're grown up enough to signpost OT posts elsewhere rather than cry to the mod(s).
(Oh, and thanks btw... I appreciate what you do)