That comment was annoying as hell - it wasn't creative freedom that sank those studios, it was exorbitant spending.  Giving an artist creative freedom doesn't mean "let them spend all our money".  Creative freedom within reasonable boundaries is what he's talking about. 

And I agree with Soderbergh that it's a fine idea.  It's been done before, it's being done now. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't - but if you couple it with fiscal responsibility then the risk is minimal. 

Universal gave GL a million dollars to make a movie, and they agreed to make no demands or changes to it whatsoever.   The result was American Graffiti.    They offered the same deal to four other filmmakers - Doug Trumbull used his million to make Silent Running - which tanked, but it was way ahead of its time and has achieved cult status since.  The other three movies were forgettable.  But Graffiti alone made back the five million and much much more.

We're also adding an adorable youngster to the cast: our cousin Oliver. 

You're going to love the crazy hijinks that little rascal gets up to!

On the bright side, you may now occupy yourselves by guessing which one was chosen.

/just keepin' ya busy

I say you both win.