I never use TS for this exact reason, hardly on Skype either. Then again I'm also hardly ever on the server...
Anyways, OOC influence will always be apparent in RP. It is simply easier to act OOC'ly, especially if you are in a leadership position. Is it right? Hell no. Is it a good way to gain status OOC'ly, and RP'ly on the server? Hell ya. I find new players the most fun to RP with because they seem to have the least OOC bias, but eventually vets will break them in to our OOC culture here.
EDIT: Heff you should definitely 'pull a Petry'.