Experimental techno and experimental music, are 2 different things.
I got loads of experimental music, and you can`t dance to it.

I don`t feel it has to be regimental.
But for the most part, it is.

I do whole heartedly recommend that any producer trying to get ahead in techno, tries to experiment and do something different, in every session they have in the studio.
As too many people seem to try to emulate records that have already been made.

I wouldn`t say that moving the kick drum to a non "on the 4" is particularly experimental either, if you still approach it in the same way as 4x4. Which I hear a lot of people doing.

But it can help change the whole peice you are doing, if you work off of it.

You can still be innovative within the 4 to the floor format though too.