Based on some of the recent posts, I want to repeat an earlier post about rules for quiltmaking.
1. Accurate marking/measuring
2. Accurate cutting
3. Accurate piecing.
Beyone this it is what the quiltmaker brings to the process. Regardless the reason 1/4" seam allowance was established, this is the norm and must be adheared to for consistency in the piecing.
Consider patchwork like a jigsaw puzzel. The pieces must be accurate for them to fit into the overall puzzel.