Yes, I am a hand-piecer and quilter also. I have noticed there are no classes for hand-ers either. I haven't been dissed like you were, but I do lament the lack of learning opportunities.
I do all my quilting by hand, and almost all my piecing. I do attach long borders by machine, but my machine sewing is awful. I don't enjoy it at all, but it is faster on those long borders.
I take my piecing everywhere I go. I manage to finish pieces here and there and I love to watch tv while sewing.
You Go Girl!