I never climbed on dangerous slopes without a rope and protection (anchors) at least as often as I was willing to fall. I taught at the Colorado Mountain Club Basic Mountaineering Course for several years and safety was the main topic. Free climbing would be considered as suicidal.
“Free climbing would be considered as suicidal.”
I agree. I learned how to climb at Joshua Tree and I was told to learn knots, belays, and anchors. Watching Alex Honnold is admirable but sad. Challenges are good and showing off is silly.