You should pay attention to the Op/Ed post The New Priests in Second Life Herald. It is a nice analytical view on RL/SL relationship. One comment on the other post summarizes it:
The way many residents feel about SL is that it's an *extension* of RL, and representing the 'self' in avatar form is logically a process of reflecting RL. Other residents see with clarity the almost endless possibilities available in creating an entirely different 'self' (or many selves) from their reality, sometimes extending that 'self' outside of the grid. The rest of us fall somewhere in between these two virtual extremes, or possibly have a foot in both camps (I do).
Some, like me, hold that perimeter as uncrossable, a void over which we dare not stretch. For others it is just a line in the dirt to be stepped over (and on) with disinterest. For others still – just a few – it remains a powerful force, but one through which they can pass without disturbing the equilibrium on either side.
Yes, there is a line for each of us to handle. And playing that game is a challenge huge and interesting enough that can be the only or a main plot in second life game if one wishes so. But individual perspective on that line is not all that is there. That line stretches across the whole world, the big line between role-playing grid and "extension of RL" grid. No, there is no clear red "do not cross" sign between them. Avatar which looks and behaves as virtual extension of its human can teleport to RPG sim, chance is that it will not get killed before talking dragon collide with his or her view of the world. Likewise, I think there is no problem in coming to some of the business meetings with set of carnal implants.
But there is also a common ground, like clubs, malls, infohubs and other places where we socialize, mingle and get involved in chat with the complete strangers. And then we start to speak different languages. Blocking RL questions can be not only keeping own privacy but keeping free space for character to develop and not to be bothered with strange things like the job or family of its human. On the other side, any incompatibility of avatar we talk to and its human (in the case it is not obvious fantasy as in dragon, faeries and cyborg cases) may be considered as a lie toward other fellow residents.
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