Using two Linkert's and plotting the outcome on a grid

The conditions in your image look okay. 

Variable values only "mean" something when you use them. A freeform question doesn't use a custom variable -- unless you program that (e.g., by using the value in a trigger condition). 

I suggest you add variable references to every slide with a trigger that includes a variable. That'll let you see whether the values are changing as expected. 

• I put variable references in bright-red text boxes. That makes them easy to spot, even in Storyview. And that helps ensure I won't inadvertently leave one on a slide when I publish the course.
• Before publishing, I usually move the ref. text box off the slide, so it'll be available for future testing, as needed. Hiding it in the timeline also works.