What are your view in sites that offers you to create your forum and having it up and running in minutes? They host it for you, but many won't let you own the community database, and will have limited control over what you can do with it.

I think they are all right, specially if you are starting and just want to experiment some. It is also good for people who plan not to be bothered with learning to code or design. I think it is also allright for a small hangout community.

I'd like to hear what are your thoughts on it.

In what situations do you recommend the use of free self hosted forums?

If you don't recommend it at all, why not?

If you plan on being serious with your forum, you need access to the database so you can alter, change or make back ups as see fit.

I agree. Also you never know how things can change. I started roczuz as a small thing but now I regret I can't really move the database elsewhere. Back when I started I though it'd be fine this way. Less things to worry about but I have grown very attached and I wish I could move it to MyBB and add some mods and stuff. Moving up can be scary, but if you already have the basic concepts for making a forum you can always try hosting. It is not difficult and there is usually people around to help you out as you start.