Anyone who says they're afraid to talk is either paranoid or a dick. I've been playing since the start of ARR and although I know I've been reported at least once, I've never been punished for anything I've said. If you just approach people like they're people and not inconveniences to you, you won't get in trouble. If you absolutely must demand someone does something, maybe say "please" first. If people think you're being toxic every time you talk, it's probably because you are. There isn't a mindset throughout the game where simply speaking is assumed to be toxic.

Always assume someone with an outside perspective might see what you're doing or saying. They don't just crush you with the ban hammer as soon as you say "hey guys let's do this strat". Someone has to report it and then a GM will look at it. Will the GM think you're being an ass? Then don't say it.

People weren't any more talkative before any changes to the ToS, and most of the changes were just to clarify things. People just need something to point at when they think their rights are being taken away.