Should I allow my games to be downloaded for free if I am unable to pay people I’ve worked on the game with? Or should I leave free downloads out of the question?
I think this is something you have to decide before making the game! My advice is to make some free games that won't take you and your team too much time, in that way you will start getting some followers!
Getting followers is important since they get notifications when you publish something new.
The web is plenty of games so, in the beginning, publishing free games would be a good way to start and have a chance to get some views and plays!
Good luck!