Hi David,
Learning has one key obstacle in it when there is a belief system established that something is complicated. The first seed to get to something limiting like this is the argument: “I will learn it when I need it”.
Mathematics initiate thinking on a different level. With an excellent package of mathematical knowledge you can see the world differently. Think of it as seeing the world without colors, black and white, because someone was under the impression, I learn colors when I need it. This sounds weird, as sounds the argument above to me.
Take your explorations with geometry, for example, things might be built on some connections, like ratios, or other structure building formulas. Your link shows someone who plays with it, and it is undoubtedly fascinating to dive this deep into it.
The given freedom that the author takes might be needed to unlock some secrets. But on the other hand, there is so much in his discussion, that I thought more often than not, yes, switching measurement systems gives one a cool number to show. (Why not doing all the measurements in the Egypt way, the Royal Cubit for example (The royal cubit comprised seven palm widths each of four digits of thumb width, so that it could be divided into a total of 28 digits. Wiki)
So, what has meter and inch at all to do with it? But I digress, All that mathematics can do is to set the world and with it our reality into numbers. Higher mathematics allows to set even the unthinkable into numbers, or at least that’s the plan.
To start modeling means to me, to begin learning geometry and math to the degree that it exceeds the needs of it. My roots are in architecture, and having enjoyed many educations, e.g., to be an official Draftsmen and later an Architect, I loved to rely on mathematics. Even today, where I live for many decades mainly the life of an artist, I like to have mathematics as a tool available.
Here is a link of the last building I have designed as office manager and project/design lead. I worked on 18 projects at the same time back then.
https://goo.gl/maps/NrCXARRqumcDUNBo6
You can see how the form is related to the context. There was a lot of geometrical thinking needed before it went into the CAD (Allplan - of course).
Enjoy