I totally agree.

I see so many newbie readers who spend a lot of time collecting spreads and decks, because they think they need an arsenal of both to start reading for others. 
 

I have said this before but will say it again. When I began reading professionally, I used one deck only, and no pre-made spreads. Everything was put together on the spot. I did not have access to many tarot books at the time so I didn’t even know that spreads were a thing 😆 I just asked the questions the querent had, and pulled cards to answer them. Exactly the way you describe.  No one taught me that method, it was born out of necessity because I didn’t know  of all the other ways you could do it 😊

These days I might use a themed spread for the fun of it, mostly if I participate in a reading circle. But I don’t use them when reading for others, outside of circles. 

Although I've been using the Celtic Cross for over five decades, I began creating my own spreads around 14 years ago and now have more than 300 in my inventory (although some of them I haven't looked at in years). The way I approach it is to first ask myself "What do I want to know about this matter?" which helps me determine the position meanings; then "How much do I want to know about it?" telling me how many positions I will need; and finally "How do I want it delivered?" indicating the ideal spread structure. It sounds like you've arrived at a similar approach.

I love making my own spreads, you can make it really personalised to you.

The only advice I have (read: avoid this rookie mistake) is to write down or sketch out your positions, as you will probably forget them by the end of shuffling the cards 😆

I do free hand readings as well. I read once that defined positions are great for clarity and if you are confused on the situation. It gives you a formal framework to work off, and free hand just explores what you want to read on and see what comes up.

31 minutes ago, DanielJUK said:

The only advice I have (read: avoid this rookie mistake) is to write down or sketch out your positions, as you will probably forget them by the end of shuffling the cards 😆

True! However, a tip for that is to take one position at the time; I will often ask the question for the first position and pull one card for that. I then look and contemplate that card before moving on to the next position. This allows me to remember positions better. With this method I will also reshuffle the deck for each question. But if you’re prone to forgetting or if you create elaborate spreads, then yes - definitely write them down! 
 

If I intend to write down the reading later, then I will jot down the card positions and take a picture of the cards before putting them back in the box. But I don’t always register the readings I do for myself. I tend to remember them anyway, especially if there is a photo I can refer to.