There's a big difference between writing a glowing recommendation and basically an information-only rec.
Chapters can tell the difference.
I see NOTHING wrong with an info-only rec. It is simply getting the girl's foot in the door. It says nothing about how much you actually recommend her for membership. It simply says, "Hey, take a look and decide for yourself. But, I wanted to let you know a bit about her so you could remember her during rush."
I have written one recommendation EVER that was not an info-only. I reserve those for the truly deserving of being highly recommended. (As a side note, she went ZTA
) I do understand and agree that it is not worth putting your reputation on the line for someone you do not know. But, I don't see how an info-only rec jeopardizes anyone's rep.