One of the pluses of having to travel for over an hour to other milongas is the conversations on the way home.
One topic that came up a while back, and that has made recurring appearences since, is the idea of the blatant lead. The lead that specifies where and how the follower should move to almost pinpoint exactness. A lead that lacks subtlety but more importantly one that hasn’t learnt, or been taught, to trust in the followers expression. I lead an ocho giving intonation towards its general shape and trust the follower in being able to express the step. I don’t need to micro-manage her step.
“Blatant leads” as you call them, are really never optimal for creative follows, especially when the lead is sub-par, and insists on leading in spite of the music, or of the follow’s position or weight placement.
However, even though less enjoyable than being allowed some freedom to express, there are old-timers with very strict leads (i.e. Facundo), who are incredibly musical and precise – making their dancing also enjoyable in a different way.
I think it’s all down to your personality. I personally like to give some freedom for my partner to do her own thing. However, if I am dancing with someone new I will try and “tune in” with her. If she wants that freedom I give it to her, if she prefers to be led every single second then I’ll do it. There is nothing wrong with that, I’ll just follow her following.