@ odf,

As far as I know the translate tool works exactly the same, whether the translate channels are forced or not. You can't use the translate tool to pull an arm of a chest. It's usually best to use one of the rotate tools, rather than the translate tools, but I don't think limits make a difference one way or another. The only time translation limits would be useful would be if the translate dials became unhidden, but that is not something that is likely to happen by accident, and if someone intentionally unhides them (requires custom a pose file), they probably have a good reason.