I view stuff like this in the same way as I do any other kind of format screw. It can be a tool to do something different and worthwhile if done correctly. I ask myself whether the deviation in question is adding anything to the reading experience, if it's taking anything away, and if on balance I enjoyed the article more because of it.
In this case, the gimmick is at least thematically tied to the underlying concept, so it avoids the immediate "weirdness for its own sake" pitfall. Unfortunately, I feel that the "writing without 'i's" thing harmed your article more than it added to it. Because of the limitations you placed on yourself, this reads in a stilted, awkward manner that doesn't really do anything except irritate me as I read. I also feel you got a little caught up in the gimmick itself, as I find the core concept kind of thin and underdeveloped.
Used as a complementary piece within a stronger unified narrative, I might have been more receptive. But I can't support this one.