I thought the Spere grid system in X was better then XIIs, mainly due to the fact that you can alter the sphere grids with enough patience. XIIs Licenses system is limited to a set number of options you can choose from (given the limit is large) but there is no outside customizations options. Basicly from XII's system = what you see is what you get in comparison to FFXs which is equal to take it, leave it or wipe the board clean and do what ever you want with it.

I am not downing on the license system though, it is unique (somewhat) for SE. You can master sections of the grid fairly fast and then focus in on specific skills and destinations. You are given a magnitude of paths to choose from but the down fall is that you are limited on what you can actually do with the board options.