It is a constant source of confusion. I see it constantly discussed in various freelancer whats-app and freelance groups.

I used to get contracts checked to see if they were Outside IR-35 and I knew I wasn't the only one. So it isn't straight-forward as you suggest.

It can also scare companies off, I have personally experienced this. As a result there are far less Outside IR-35 work. Almost every contractor I know has had to go back perm.

I understand there were many Contractors that basically milked forever contracts, but it kinda screwed over loads of freelancers.

I personally hate being perm. I used to work about 6-9 months a year and I found it relatively easy to find another contract. I had plenty of free time. Now I get the standard 1 month and bank holidays. Really pissed off about the rule changes.