What (some) users want isn't always the same as what's good for your business, so you have to be judicious.
Exaggerate much?
As I said to your other comment, sometimes it's in everyone's best interest to promote engagement. If you're running a product with a strong social component, it isn't an "arbitrary business priority" to want to get people back to the site.
As in all things, good judgment is key.
If you can't get people back to the site by providing value, then it's worth spending time figuring out how to provide that genuine value, rather than trying to force your users into it.
As you said, good judgement is key.