I actually dont have a problem allowing that . A serious player making a little extra effort should be rewarded . Possibly some other players will follow his lead .Background stories are not a source of free advantages, and that includes social contacts, rich families, and noble titles.
It would be awesome if players did that for no reward but this is the Real DND world and everyone expects XP , gold or magic goodies for their participation .
Someone dreams of that perfect magic goodie for his hero , this could be just the loophole he needs .