Originally Posted by
Damojo
It doesn't say you can't use them. If it did, they would never have been introduced, and if they were, the GMs would action every complaint about them.
Rule 1 of the CoC can be applied to anything it is so woolly. I could decide that a warden's shout ruins my enjoyment of the game, or the colour purple, or trees, and apply rule 1.
The rule is woolly because it has to be, to specifically list out every breach of conduct that has, does, or will upset various players isn't vaguely practical.
Reading beyond the literal wording of rule 1 to the intention, I would interpret it as saying (with reference to FEs) it is not against the code of conduct to use FEs. It is, however, contrary to the code of conduct to repeatedly use them on the same person if they have asked you not to (aka griefing).
But as has been said, the GMs get the final call. It doesn't matter if my interpretation of the rule is right or wrong, or yours, or any other player. As long as they interpret it correctly and consistently.