There has always been freeriding.
The truth is, racing requires a lot of skiing technique, and learning how to ski really, really well is the foundation for racing programs. Being able to ski really well obviousely translates well into big mountain and pow skiing, and will also probably help in the park. Thats why so many pro freeskiers started out racing when they were kids.
I have no idea why NS hates racing so much. Buncha hipsters I guess. Racing is sick and super gnarly, and lots of my friends who I freeski with are ex racers or even still racing.