I, too, would really like to know how this turned out, and to see a before and after picture on your repair. It would certainly be a help to those who have a rip or tear in the future.
I know this thread has been an education to those of us who quilt for others. Not just in how to work with our customers, but in how some people actually view LA quilters. It has certainly been an education for me. I've never actually seen this kind of hostility toward those of us who are providing this service.
Our job as professional quilters is to help your quilt top tell it's story. We work WITH you to give you the quilting that YOU want. Some people just want the quilting to hold the quilt sandwich together, others want the WOW! factor. Part of being a professional is to be able to communicate with our customers. And to understand that not all customers are a good fit for our business.
Sadly, not all LA quilters that are in business are professionals. We're working with $1000's worth of equipment and supplies. If someone is willing to quilt a queen size quilt for $50, she's 1) not going to be in business long because she's not even covering her costs and/or 2) she's not spending much time or care on your quilt. I'm also an accountant, and I've run the numbers. You don't get into this business to get rich - most of us just want to make a living or supplement our households doing what we love.
Again, this whole topic just makes me sad.