Free accounts and layers?

[suncat]

So I felt ready to start experimenting with creating layers, both for layout and for themes. And it gives an error, saying I already have hit the maximum number of layers that I can have. I had accumulated a number of layers (on the Advanced Customization page) through trying out various options so I deleted many that I know I won't be using. But still got the above error. Did I maybe screw something up by deleting these?

A look at the FAQ says that capability for customizing styles is "limited" for free accounts, although I couldn't find what exactly "limited" meant there. So I thought maybe the next step was to get a paid account.

Then yesterday I had a chance to compare notes with a friend here at DW who also has a free account. And she's able to create new layers just fine. She showed me her screen and she had links to "your custom layers" that simply don't appear under my account.

So I am perplexed. Have I run into a bug? Do I need a paid account?