I do utilize all aspects of Freddy's game, but I know where the character's strengths lie. Freddy is most effective when he keeps his opponent full screen away, where he has a large advantage against the vast majority of characters. If you want to win, you take advantage of your character's strengths. I do make mistakes, but when I end combos early or when I teleport instead of finishing combos, I do so entirely for positional advantages.
Pig Of The Hut does so too, especially in the Kenshi vs. Cage match up.
I definitely think I can improve my footsies, but this "rush down Freddy" nonsense has to stop. Freddy cannot rush down just like Cage cannot zone. If you think Freddy can rush down, you know nothing about the character. Go use Smoke instead. He is a scrub-friendly character with simple rush down and footsies and highly damaging combos. He cannot be zoned, so you can suck at the game and still win.