Keep representing the fanshots.

Though going back to the old ways is not the ideal solution either. Referees shouldn’t be too detached and autocratic, but they shouldn’t be this close either.
I really don’t mind a ref explaining a decision he made to a player or a coach on the field. And true that some players are allowed more than others (KG directly going head to head with some in the playoffs). But refs should not accept phone calls or invitations from players, coaches, GMs, much less accepting or seeking merchandise. And only refs and their independent governing body should judge the performance of other refs and assign them to games, like it is done in a lot of other sports.