If from a reputable source, OTF outlines should be clean and hinting reasonable for desktop use. Beware of poorly generated freebies which can have spacing/kern issues or missing glyphs (accents, punctuation).
The only legal way to get the new Howell Script Regular OTF for free is through:
When he opened the font in his editor, the letters bled onto the screen with an unsettling fluidity. The "H" had a sweeping, aggressive tail; the "o" looked like an unblinking eye. It wasn't just a font; it was a rhythmic, anatomical masterpiece.
Let’s assume you find a version of this font. Is it worth the effort?
: Often offers the font with a commercial license and premium technical support. Font Bundles