RP Party finders being reported AGAIN without so much as a reason.

[Shin96]

We don't know if they consider ERP against the ToS, the ToS is purposefully vague. Whilst there is a 13+ bit, it's in relation to profanity and offensive language, which would generally indicate the words used and not what they describe, yet by technicality everything you do is conveyed by language. So would they stretch the meaning to offensive content expressed through language even though the language itself is not offensive? We don't know because GM's have never clarified that, nor have any statements been made to that effect. Heck in one of these threads somebody posted a screenshot of a GM saying it's okay. And the only ERPers we know of getting hit are those publicallt advertising ERP venues on PF and likely for the reasons you've listed.

If the GM actually said that I'm not sure they understand what company they're working for really. Language indeed has a plethora of uses and meanings but this clearly is about ERP publically advertised in a game that isn't rated M. While the ToS are vague I don't think it's the job of the developers to inform their playerbase on the basic principle of common sense. People should know that there's a risk a minor might be involved and for that reason alone, I personally would write that into the ToS if I responsible for it and outright prohibit such display.

But nothing about private ERP between two consenting adults.

Because it's virtually impossible to verify this, and as I previously mentioned, there is not a single way you can see someone's age in the game unless you join a 18+ FC or Discord that is asking for proof of your birth certificate. Based on these facts alone, it's safe to say that SE doesn't really encourage this behaviour if players have to circumvent a way around this issue.

And with the comments about finding a partner IRL, I feel that is irrelevant. It's not single people seeking cyber sex or a relationship, though that is encompassed by it. But RP in general can be compared to writing, all genres are covered including erotica. So people with an interest in erotica will be drawn to ERP.

It's just advice. As usual with these things. If people can gain temporary pleasure from putting on a deceptive veil and pretend their opposite partner is of legal age that's up to them. But sometimes your partner might be a predator fully aware of seeking relationships with minors. They also might be a minor themselves. Therefore I believe ERP is not essential and should be dealt with appropriately.

And RP is usually not about self inserting but writing your character(s), with that said, self insertion can be a thing because RP can vary.

RP is RP and ERP is something else. If you're pretending to own a restaurant there is no way someone can take advantage of you. When sexual pleasantries are shared, that's where the line gets thinner and it can become dangerous.