I have a long arm business and treat every quilt as if it were my own - I would not accept a 'lump' of batting on mine nor should you. As a long armer, she should be continually smoothing as she goes - you would definitely feel the lump. The size issue can be a problem... however, it doesn't really sound to me that you got a meandering period.
I would hope that a customer of mine would talk with me if they were not happy with the job I did - this is the only way I would be able to be able to correct it or not have it happen again.
I'm sure your friend is going to love the quilt - she will be thrilled to have a piece of you with her all the time.