I don't like removing party chat because the developer is essentially trying to tell you how you should play their game. It should be enough that I took the time and money to buy your game, I don't need you to tell me how to play it. I could play it on mute with my iTunes cranked all the way up and eliminate all the atmosphere the game has anyway. Barring people from talking to their friends while playing is pointless and will affect the game negatively over the long haul.