Sorry to disillusion you, but even under the Human Rights act we do not have 'Freedom of Speech'. There are so many exclusions that we're really no better off than before and in fact in some areas (such race/religion) have more restrictions.

Still at least our judges are a lot more sensible than those in the US as the Elton John example shows.

An artist friend of mine was given a piece of clay and told to go make a model as a test for one job she'd applied for, so it's not just IT.

Also, as many others have said. Written experience counts for nothing, you can still be a muppet. I do interviews for new technical staff and I'm no longer amazed how many people look good on paper but are unable to explain/demonstrate the basics in their own technology area.