I think it would be a mutually beneficial for both Webflow and their new users if we could use custom code on the starter plan, here's why:

As a beginner, I'm just trying to learn how to use Webflow, and custom code is part of building a website. The faster I can learn how to use Webflow, the faster I can start building and selling websites, which is mutually beneficial.

We see similar approaches to allowing designers to test out fonts with regards to licensing, which is basically free to test as long as it's not used for commercial purposes. Figma also has a similar model. I learned on Figma because it had a feature rich free plan, and it's now the only design software I use. This in contrast to Adobe (XD, Photoshop, Premier, etc), which I didn't learn how to use because there's a pay wall. Webflow has made efforts to help aid in learning their software, but custom code is essential to building a professional website.

The reason I want to use custom code as a beginner is 1. There are some building features with using grids that are lacking in Webflow, and by using custom code we can have those features. 2. In general, just learning how to use custom code for various things. 3. Be able to follow along and learn building methods such as Lumos. I'm currently learning how to use the Lumos method, but I need access to custom code to use the grid system.

In closing, I believe we can see a trend in the market suggesting that allowing "students" to learn software for free leads to long term sales and loyalty.

Thanks for considering this idea.