Besoeker, nothing wrong with discussion. I think the problem is you sound a wee bit judgey in some of your posts?
Just think about that comment for a moment.......
You mentioned somewhere on here, "maybe we got lucky with our dog or maybe it's us" (paraphrasing) You betcha you got lucky with your dog!
I think it's very much a two way street. An example I mentioned before, here or elsewhare, was the dog I had growing up. He was very much like the dog we have now. Gentle, even tempered, a joy. By way of contrast, his brother from the same litter was quite mean tempered and bit me. Why such a difference?
He sounds fantastic and while I don't want to dismiss any training you did, you should also be grateful for his temperament and intelligence, which is something he was born with. Perhaps you should go thank his mama*, she did a good job too
The intelligence we had no bearing on. Collies are often top of the tables for intelligence. And he is a good learner. Not a lot of training involved.
The temperament, on the other hand, I do think has something to do with us.
When we got him he was a very shy, nervous dog. It took two people to lift him into the car when we went to collect him. Any loud noise spooked him and he was very wary around other dogs and people.
Now he is so socialied. The only time I see him in the slightest bit agressive is if another big dog gets to close too my wife or I. Defensive might be a better word. There no barking, biting snarling or anything like that. He just gets between us and the other dog and stares it down. Collies have the power of the eye which is one reason they make good sheep dogs.
Back to the question of leads.
In the places where we normally walk, leads are usually not mandatory. There is a large playing field close to us and there are sometimes several footbal (soccer) matches being played. A lead is required then.
One of the other places is Houghton Hall Park which is very popular with dog walkers. It's a good size (over 40 acres) of open spaces and woodland. It is currently undergoing restoration and, if there is moving machinery, the lead goes on. I'm not averse to the use of the lead. Nor is the dog.
"Max, lead" is all the instruction needed.
Other than that, he gets to do what dogs enjoy doing. Runs, sniffs, meets his doggy friends - and their owners. And gets the exercise he needs.
*We don't know his mama or any of his prior history.. He was picked up as a stray by the rescue centre where we got him about a year and a half ago. He's now about two and a half.
Long post by my standards.