Unacceptable in my book, but I know that I'm out of date. I would have a word with the staff: if it isn't against the rules (should be IMO) then you can't complain. If is is against the rules then it's time the staff woke up and enforced them.

Silence as a whole seems to me pretty much a lost cause, you have to get well away from the herd to stand even a slim chance, but you should be able to find quiet in a study area.

Oh, and NO, you wouldn't be a grouch so long as you are civil in your complaint.