I can't read all 15 pages of this - but here is my opinion -for what its worth!
I have been quilting 32 years, I started hand quilting at the age of 9 and I simply LOVE IT. BUT, as a mother, housewife, gardener, farmer etc etc (aren't we all!!!) and producer of numerous quilts for gifts, charities, babies etc I DO machine quilt too.
I agree that swirls are going a bit crazy and I have to say I am constantly looking for differnet ideas on how to quilt with out meandering!
BUT - I do always have a special quilt on the go which is being hand pieced and will be hand quilted.
One thing I personally could never do (but please don't me mad at me for this!!!) I could never send my quilt out to be quilted, I couldn't afford it and I just wouldn't feel like it was my quilt - its just how I feel and PLEASE - if it keeps YOU quilting I say go for it!!!
Of course I have forgoten to say that rhueluna, your work is FABULOUS!!!!! And yes - I too think it should be in a seperate category at shows.
PHEW - got that off my chest!!!!!