I've been using basting spray from the beginning. Just like mama said it doesn't stick or gum up the needle at all. I have also used it on hand quilting and it adds no stiffness that I can tell.
In fact I don't have trouble with it sitcking to me at all. My husband helps me baste anything bigger than a baby blanket, we spray the batting (with news paper under the edges to prevent overspray), unroll the back smoothing it as we go, and then we flip it over and spray the batting again, then unrolling and smoothing the top. Most of what I've used it pretty big and I just fold the extra backing material up over any batting that sticks out.
Welcome to the club! :D Oh and keep in mind you don't have to pay those high LQS prices, art stores carry it for much less money, just make sure it says it's safe on fabrics.