The free table is a great addition to any guild meeting. It is a great place to socialize and the fabrics, etc, on it can provide a creative boost.
I recently backed a charity quilt with a 4 yard piece of fabric from the free table. Note that I am color challenged and was not able to determine the background color of the fabric. I was leaning toward black, husband thought black. My helpful guild members agreed that it was a deep green. The top was one piece, a soft gray/blue with large bouquets of dusty brown dried flower bouquets. Somehow, they looked great together -or- everyone was being nice to me!
I also made a few place mats for Meals on Wheels with large scraps and other peoples blocks off the free table.
So I wholeheartedly endorse the idea of a free table.