What a ridiculous thing for someone to say! Sorry for sounding harsh but my goodness! Good SITD is very difficult to do and in no way a copout. I personally don't even do it because I can't stay in the ditch well enough.
Please take great pride in your work and don't let the opinions of others rob you of that. Whatever part of the quiltmaking process one is able to do, or chooses to do, they deserve to take pride and pleasure in their work and creative efforts. How small the heart of another who would take that away.