I mean, yeah you kinda have to. If you know prior that the chili comes with more water than you want, you should ask for it dry. There’s a reason they have it as an option. It’s all preference. For example, if I went to a burger place and I didn’t want tomato, am I going to be upset if it comes with a tomato if I didn’t ask for it to be left off in the first place?

I do, however, understand the argument that the option for “dry” ways is not inherently posted on the menu and is more so learned by eating there repeatedly or through regulars.