There are consequences or after effects from Volo as well.
And personally I don't think consequences should always, hardly ever even, be spelled out for you. It's not realistic. So I don't think it comes down to "choice". It's kind of like the idea of f*** around and find out.
I CHOOSE not to speak to Volo ever. From the story perspective at the time of encountering him there is no need to. Will that cut off some options later in the game - quite possibly. Do I care - not a jot. That is a consequence I am willing to live. If it is something important to the plot then there will be other ways to get there.
The RP in RPG is 'role playing'. "f*** around and find out" is what an eight year old does with a box of matches. I prefer a slightly more grown up and intelligent approach to things.
