Any question answered...

what's the deal these days with tethering?

I can see various contracts officially allow or disallow it but can you get away with a little bit regardless? I've never had more than 500mb data/mo (luddite!) and in the past when i've urgently needed to get on a website for a few minutes I've tethered without issue despite not having paid for the privilege. If I upgrade to one of these more modern contracts will I still be able to do so as long as I don't take the piss?

May be look at ovido for a free sim? You get a free amount of call and texts and internet for a one off fee.

company to company basis

im not allowed to on three, but I can do it for a while, maybe 20-30 minutes, before I get a 'your not allowed to tether!!!!!" web page no matter what site I try and visit

reboot the phone you get internet back on your phone, but the tethering doesnt work for an hour or so, then repeat

my gf's EE just doesnt let her at all

Thought 3 allowed you free tethering.