I didn't like the License Board (more on that in a sec), but I really don't have an opinion about the SphereGrid, as I mostly just play(ed) X for the storyline.

As for the License Board, the reason I didn't like it was for the reason hhr1dluv mentioned. However, I would definitely throw my weight behind the License Board if they actually allowed you to see ALL the slots from the beginning so you could better plan your characters to reach a certain point. The way it was, I literally just ended up picking at-random without having any clue as to what my party would end up as. I eventually just used the GameShark to unlock them all for everybody to get out of that predicament, but I HATE using cheat-sources for Final Fantasy games.