I think it takes talent and patience to quilt regardless of the techniques used.
I think the bias used to be against machine quilters for not putting the "time into it" as handquilters did....maybe this is some type of backlash.
I prefer to think of each person doing their best and enjoy seeing various techniques from everyone. I only know how to hand quilt but I like seeing how others are able to use a home machine or longarm to make a beautiful quilt and cut the time for someone to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
I've tried machine quilting and it's just awful for me. For those who do this well, great job----I wish I had your skill sets.
I prefer hand quilting because it is incredibly relaxing for me and I feel a connection to the other quilters in my family. I learned to machine piece and do get an evil eye every once in a while for not doing the whole thing by hand....honestly, I'd never be able to finish projects if I didn't use a machine from time to time.
For those who are able to do an entire project by hand, my hat's off to you. I look forward to the day I'll be able to do that as well. In the mean time, I'll do what is best for me and for the people I quilt for. I hope we can all find something nice to say about other's work regardless of the methods used.