Ordering high end on the first date. Is it rude or is it just me?

[KillarneyRose]

Here's a slight twist on the initial question:
Whenever we go out to eat with my inlaws, they always insist on picking up the tab. When I asked my MIL about that once, she said it was important to them that they always pay when taking "the kids" (us) out to eat and that we could make it up to them when they're old and broke. (Note, that ain't gonna happen if I have any say about it).

However, they make it clear when we're ordering that they don't want us to order appetizers or dessert. Don't know the reasoning behind the appetizers but no dessert is because she always has thawed Christmas cookies back at the house so we are supposed to eat them instead (blech).

Now, I know they're well off so it's not a question about them not being able to afford appetizers or dessert. And, hey, sometimes I really want the fried calamari or the artichoke dip. Would it be rude to say, "Well, I want an appetizer so I'll pay for it." or should I just keep my mouth shut?