I didn't read ALL the replies but here's what I am doing with maci.
Maci seems to be fine free feeding, I put less than 1/4 a cup in her bowl at noon and there is still some left at 10:30pm. Mind you she is in a new home, and maybe not too hungry. But she def. didn't gobble it all up at once, just kinda picked at it as needed.
If you try to free feed your dog but find that he gulps his food down before lunch time then free feeding probably isn't for you.