This seems a little redundant and unnecessary to me. Checking players' search info seems to work just fine, and you can always update your own search info to reflect whether or not you're in the mood for RP or walk-ups.

I'd be a little worried that if such a status were to be implemented, people would stop checking their search info which often contains important details of what that person is looking for and sometimes a description of their character's appearance or demeanor which could effect how one would approach them.

I wouldn't be against such an addition, but the current method is more than manageable.