Is working with GitLab as nice as it sounds? Every time I read the employee documentation I get the feeling working there would be a great experience.

If you can be a manager of one [1], then absolutely, yes. If not, then I can imagine it being really frustrating a lot of times.

Based on my past work experience, working at GitLab is more similar to being a freelancer in terms of freedom and flexibility - with all the benefits of being an employee (professional community, job security, etc.) too.

[1]: https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/leadership/#managers-of...

Doesn’t Gitlab blatantly discriminate in salaries?

I don't really know what you mean by that. Yes, the salaries are tied to locations [1]. But I get compensated well above the average compared to doing the same job at other companies (including international ones) in my country (Austria).

[1]: https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/total-rewards/compensat...

It seems ridiculous to ask this question without clarifying what sort of discrimination you are asking (implying) about.