I do alot of stitch in the ditch and have not started in the center for ... about 10 years. I have done stitch in the ditch starting from one side corner and working my way down and across the quilt. I would not have done this in the "old days" prior to spray basting and a walking foot.
Believe it or not I have not had any issues with puckers or tucks ... it looks the same as if I had done it the traditional way of starting in the center and working toward to outer edge.