I have to say that the principal online boardgame I play is Diplomacy and so, when it comes to collusion in multi-player games, I have a much more open tolerance than some others. However, getting a second account, in my opinion, is straight out. Also, collusion between games, is right out in my books. And, discussing an ongoing game is totally bad behaviour.
But, in my opinion, if the interface allows you to do it, go for it. Sure, in a face-to-face game, you won't be consulting a simulator or reading articles, but online, if you can spend the time to do it while not delaying the game unnecessarily, go for it. But, don't post a question; that is seeking advice of an on-going game. The interface also allows you to collude and talk to other players, so do it if you want to.
That being said, if talking to collude becomes a normal thing in multi-player games, I'll just start each game by asking players not to do so. That would be an honour rule, but it could perhaps eventually be implemented as a variant with no chat.