I am a hand quilter and fairly new to it as well. The back of mine does not look like the front either but it is getting better the more I do! I do not use the rocking method nor do I use the stab stitch, I use my thumb nail which is very tough to push through about three or four stitches at a time. I think really at the end of the day it is what suits you and your quilt. I am not trying to please anyone else but my self here. I also do not use any thimbles, I do not even get a calous on my under hand,have had the odd pricked finger though. I was really trying to do the rocking thing and use a thimble etc but it just didn't feel right, I was expecting to get worn out fingers etc but my method works for me and I'm sticking to it, I have got neater and my stitches smaller as time has gone on and I am happy with the results I get working in the manner which suits me.
Gal