To say a grid is limiting is to say that language is limiting, or typography is limiting. It is up to us to use these media critically or passively.

Letters do love one another. However, due to their anatomical differences, some letters have a hard time achieving intimacy.

Design is art that people use.

Are some free fonts a gift to humanity rather than a blight on typographic civilization ?

It is easier to talk than to listen. Pay attention to your clients, your users, your readers, and your friends. Your design will get better as you listen to other people.

Working within the constraints of a problem is part of the fun and challenge of design.

Design is an art of situations. Designers respond to a need, a problem, a circumstance, that arises in the world. The best work is produced in relation to interesting situations - an open-minded client, a good cause, or great content.