What I mean is,

there are a lot of tools available these days that will help you to churn out quite decent looking websites for clients within a matter of a day.

But they won't win any design awards for design or originally.
However in most cases the client is probably satisfied because

i) they wouldnt understand what real design is if it bit them
ii) the price is reasonable

On the other hand, some part of me wants to go the extra distance
to craft something by hand that is unique and original but the financial rewards are not on offer.

Anyone in a similar spot?

I think you have to take it on a case-by-case basis. Those clients willing to pay a bit more get the extras, the hand-coded original designs. Those who don't want to pay for the 'good stuff' get the 'out of the box' solutions - with needed customization.

"However in most cases the client is probably satisfied because i) they wouldnt understand what real design is if it bit them" You could also say that there's legions of people out there who call themselves web designers and shouldn't be allowed to tie their own shoelaces, never mind pretend to understand what real design is. For the average novice customer with nothing to help him, it can be difficult. Mind you, there's major design agencies out there who aren't capable of anything but a pretty mockup in photoshop. It's a hard life!

"How much "creative energy" do you put in?"

A)
Far far farrrr too much.

I find myself going the extra mile too often for little or no reward.
Dont know why.. Just do..

There is no meaning in using free templates and free or paid web design tools for the clients. It may give you some kind of appreciation at the delivery moment, but when they find it out that the design is available for free, they will get back for vengeance... So, I always prefer to design my own designs, probably would get ideas from other masterpieces, but would never imitate a design.

Originally Posted by sarahjones

...they will get back for vengeance...

What a load of nonsense. Clients pay for the end result, not the means to achieve it.

Originally Posted by lynxus

"How much "creative energy" do you put in?"

A)
Far far farrrr too much.

I find myself going the extra mile too often for little or no reward.
Dont know why.. Just do..

Exactly why I stopped for quite a long time... I was just constantly drained creatively and didn't have much moola to show for it. Wasn't a good time. You should spend some time making your design process more efficient depending on the price range.

my god