Thanks everyone. The posts have been enjoyable to read. So far, I think that I can make three conclusions:
1) Handpiecing is rarer than I thought, but maybe not as bad as 1-200.
2) Handpiecing it seems, (and quilting, I have been told) is much more common outside of the US.
3) Handpiecers very often describe their work as "Relaxing." I totally agree; I feel the same way.
Thanks again. I'm learning a lot. :)