I think it's a tool. Sometimes, you need to touch on something so intrinsically tied to someone's identity, that any other form of communication doesn't tend to work.

This is, from my experience, rare. Especially among emotionally mature adults who have a well rounded life.

The problem is the people who develop these techniques, like someone who develops a good hammer, thinks that all problems are nails.

Personally, I hate the inauthentic communication style in general, and I agree with you on how it makes me feel.