I didn't know any better and it was the only choice for me other than tying. I can't afford to hire it done and am physically not able to do it by hand. That leaves machine quilting. I do mostly straight line stitching; outline quilting and very little else.
I use safety pins for layering, lots of them, and rarely have a problem with pleating in the backing. I do also lessen the presser foot pressure so the fabric moves easier.