Personally, I'd say
yes they should google first.
Because that (googling), is what the "friend" will most likely have to do to answer your question unless they know the answer off the top of their head.. therefore in effect doing the work for you.
I'd ask a knowledgable friend if I'd used the normal options and come up blank.
See the etiquette guide in my signature for more reasons why this is the case.
Obviously, if a question was posed in a way that invited discussion or encouraged debate.. then the scenario would be very different.
*EDIT
Also, I find it hard to make the comparison between "talking" and typing a forum post. For me at least it takes far more time and effort to do the latter.
If it's my time and effort that might be needlessly wasted (yes, I know a lot of my posting might be that
but you get the point) then I'm not so inclined to take the more long winded route.