With so many excellent free and paid CMS around, do you think it's more practical for a normal user like you and me to use one instead of creating a site from scratch (self coding).

IT really depends. For me personally I prefer to build my own site. This way I know it is just as I want it and unique. There is also a pride that comes from knowing when people visit my website they are seeing my work.

I am always trying to take my sites to the next level by learning new HTML and sometimes using templates as a way to learn new coding.

You should do what you feel most comfortable doing.

Very similiar to the way I work. Templates give great ideas. I collect them and rarely use them but use significant points. I stood back from HTML for a while and journeyed very successfully in all Flash sites. Now, an am learning to master CSS.