I've been one who asked.
Honestly, I would like to know if there is something serious I should be aware of....and I'd also like to know if the "reference" is a good one too.
I recently asked about someone....not randomly or haphazardly or in general...but someone that I knew actually KNEW the person I was asking about...and someone whose opinion I trusted.
I'm very glad I did.
Now....would I reach out and offer my opinion without being asked? No. My feeling is that, if someone wants to know, they will ask me.
Would I give an opinion about someone I didn't know well? No, I'd decline.
Would I give an honest, factual account of someone that I did know well? Yep.