Yeah, that's pretty bad. Not always easy to say why that happened. Could be a blacklisted server but could also be the individual (learnt) behaviour of your Gmail account.
Thanks! It looks like the scroll up boxes are the latest trend and they are probably less annoying since they are no interruption. The "welcome gates" are another trend but basically they just completely hide the content you intend to view. I guess I'd prefer the unintrusive 'end of the blog post' sign up box that promises added value. Promoting your newsletter on Facebook and Twitter every once in a while can also work.
I agree with you, the bureaucracy is tough in Spain especially with accountants who don't really know the rules either. I don't think it's less bureaucratic then Germany though, Germany is only more predictable.
Absolutely true what you say about hiring, people from abroad love coming to Barcelona & there are extremely skilled local people ready to work their butt off if you give them a chance. Also there are very attractive reductions in social security costs available if someone you hire has been unemployed before.