Why can't the GRID be disabled?

Am I missing something? Why can't the "SNAP TO GRID" be disabled? This seems like a pretty simple option to offer.  I don't like the fact that I'm being forced to have shapes that ONLY fit the grid and cannot be sized down.  It results in background shapes that are way too big for the line of text or titles I am using. 

Sounds like you are using Fluid Engine. FE is based on a 24ish column wide grid. Classic Editor is based on a 12 column system.

For some FE is an improvement over CE.

I know of no mass market web builder that provides a no layout editor, pixel perfect system.

I came to SquareSpace from WIX and it has NO LAYOUT Grid. I could place things where ever I wanted to. It never occurred to me that SquareSpace would have a mandatory grid system. Although I understand this is provided for people who are not familiar with website layout. I only wish it were something that could bve turned off for people who are trained in website layouts.