They are very much all or nothing indeed, [@Zero Hex]. Either it is something you want to, and should grapple, because it eliminates a powerful threat that's not physically able, or... something that you should absolutely never try to grapple as a player character. For some reason players believe it a wise idea to attempt to grapple a lion, giant centipede or even a dragon, but are staggered that somehow grappling the evil cult's priest who is old and feeble is a viable, potent tactic.

Then suddenly everything is casting Freedom of Movement. Strange how that ends up regardless of what side of the table one is on.