As far as continuous text goes, you're right. These features probably will get used in horrible ways. But even without these features available there are already many well-designed column-based layout examples out there.
Not to mention, "constraints of the medium" could take on a whole new meaning as the wide array of display sizes continues to increase. It will be more and more necessary for web designers to create designs that easily adapt to various displays. They call this "responsive web design" and if you are practicing it right now you are an exception. Soon it will be a necessity and these new CSS capabilities look to be well suited to this purpose.
Not to mention, "constraints of the medium" could take on a whole new meaning as the wide array of display sizes continues to increase. It will be more and more necessary for web designers to create designs that easily adapt to various displays. They call this "responsive web design" and if you are practicing it right now you are an exception. Soon it will be a necessity and these new CSS capabilities look to be well suited to this purpose.