I actually do release some code under GPL, but it's when I want those restrictions in order to prevent certain types of commercial usage (and of course when my code uses or is based on GPL code). But I certainly don't consider it to be free in any way except free as in beer.
The GPL is a user-friendly license, not a developer-friendly license. It restricts your ability to restrict the user from doing what they want with the software.
Recall that the GPL started because RMS was a user of a particular type of printer and the printer driver was bad. He was a user of the software yet he couldn't have it fixed (well, he could if the company that wrote the driver did the fix).
I actually do release some code under GPL, but it's when I want those restrictions in order to prevent certain types of commercial usage (and of course when my code uses or is based on GPL code). But I certainly don't consider it to be free in any way except free as in beer.