To use another example, I see 'childfree' as analogous to 'carfree.' 'Carless' implies that you wish you had a car, but can't afford one, or that you loaned your car out and are feeling the lack because you want to go grocery shopping right now, or whatever. 'Carfree' means that you've made a choice not to have a car, for whatever reason. It does NOT mean "anyone who chooses to drive a car is an earth-sucking scumbag" (even though there is a subsection of carfree people who are lunatics who would make statements just like that).

The two words are useful, as is the distinction.

-J