Yes, it has become an accepted part of the game, always was really, and as long as you do not make it blatantly obvious you get away with it. Smalling might push the boundaries more than most but every defender in the league is doing it.
As for his passing, I watched Alderwerield today and 95% of his passes were the exact same options Smalling takes, GK, Full back on his side, CB partner(s) or DM. He just looks smoother playing the same passes. That other 5% might open the game up a little but they are less significant than most make out.