Look, I'm not saying anyone is wrong, I'm only stating my opinions for my group and our playstyle as its developed over 20+ years. You play your way, and I'll play mine. What I was attempting to say is that there are lots of options and one size does not and never has fit all. If a book has a table that is supposed to contain every possible permutation of a situation, that is a restriction, not an aide, because it's going to lack something. It always does, because no one can think of ev sswery possibility.
For example, in D&D 4th, a person I know was playing a rogue, and they were fighting some type of giant lizard creature. He wanted to jump on the creature and start stabbing it, but the gm didn't let him. See, there were no rules for that in the book. Or maybe they had to have a certain feat. I don't know, I wasn't there. Regardless, that to me is anathema to a fun time. Others may find the lists give them inspiration to do things they would not have thought of. As long as you're having fun, it's all good.
So maybe try not to police others fun, yea? If lots of rules and examples are what you need for fun, don't let me stop you. I'm certain you can add house rules to inject that into the rules.
So the example you give is not a failing of D&D 4th ed, it’s a failure of the GM. D&D from at least 3rd edition has definitely given license to the GM to create new rules on the fly for ideas like this that players have. That’s why the game is open about the construction of an ability check or skill roll. So that player could do that in D&D, most definitely.
What I’m talking about when I’m saying things like narrative permission is abilities like the virtue elves could get in 1e that specifically gave them the ability to see and interact with undead and spirits. That’s a ribbon ability, a permission, that lets the character attempt a range of actions normally not allowed. Things like combat proficiencies can be like that too, in other systems. So I want to clarify that I’m not trying to police someone’s fun when I use words like permission. It’s a way of describing game design.
My critique of 2e is that it’s too light. There’s not enough in the book to warrant a purchase. The setting information is available elsewhere and the systems of the game are just really bare bones. There needs to be more options, more tools for the GM, more ideas about character progression can look like. More ideas for virtues and rewards would be good too. I just need more.
I would actually prefer the systems about treasure to be removed entirely. The wondrous items are ok, but the treasure points and all that aren’t necessary. There’s not really a system for buying and selling things, so wealth just sits on your character and is used for either increasing your standard of living or setting up your heir. That’s really it, as far as I can see. And the idea of hoarding wealth is actively a way to get Shadow points so it really calls the whole thing into question. I’d much rather have that system removed and that space given to other things.
But with all this, let me please reiterate that this is just my own take on it. Everyone is absolutely free to do what they want, I support it all. I just voice my critique in an effort to make the game better.