Would it be appropriate to ask for rough salary figures from recruiter??

This depends upon what stage of the selection process you are on. if you have a fair idea of your selection and if the interviewer has not given you any indication of your salary you can then ask him before you make your final decision.

It is ok to ask about it and he has to answer some times if you know this info from the beginning you will not continue the process to save your time and his time too  

So they know the candidate's level of ambition.

No if you are not sure that they have selected you for the job and let the requiter to speak about that first.if you are going to give you appointment letter and still silent that better to ask ' terms and condition' don't use the word salary terms and conditions  include every thing you will get in terms of cash and kind.

I agree with UDAI MEHTA>>>>>>>>>>>>

If the interviewer does not mention about the salary, one has to ask to know how much he/she will be paid.

Also, I agree with Udai Mehta.

Not important

• not in  all cases when recruiter didn't  shows  any  sign  for  the  salary  ,,  and   you  aware  what  you  are  going  to  deal  with  and  what  is  the  nature  of  your  career  ,  and  you  know  you  are  in  ,  the  firm  from  the  attention  you  are  got  from  the  interview  ,  so  you  can  ask  >>>>  

There is no wrong or right behaviour about this. Though it is commonly known to be too 'pushy' or forward, but in my opinion it is all about the 'feel'.

Some recruiters going through your CV in depth may ask you that question first before any questions, how much are you expecting? It happened to me; I believe it is because they have already made their decisions.

There are stages in some recruitment style, depends upon the job position you are applying for; some salaries are fixed, others are negotiable; an offer will come your way. But if you are opting to negotiate you must play by simple rules of patience:

1. Know your recruiters: Watch them during an interview, are they strategically going through steps by steps, then don't rush them.
2. Maybe they also want to know more about you before going to the 'delicate' question
3. If they don't talk about salary, maybe they have a second interview or decision to make before giving an offer, hence I would suggest you wait.
4. Now; if they ask you whether you have a question or need more information; it's best to have questions regarding types of staff recognition, insurance plan, working environment, etc.. rather than a direct salary questions, and you might slowly get there