There's a world of difference between drinking with someone and being beholden to them.
I've known and been friendly with predecessors of the tour I've been doing. I've also been interested when they've related stories of their time in post and when they've given me advice. That doesn't mean that I've taken their advice as gospel or that I've felt under obligation to follow it. Why the hell does anyone think it's different for VSOs?
Do people think there's a secret contract you have to sign on promotion, promising to always follow the orders from those who recommended them? Ah well, I suppose it's human nature to love conspiracy theories.