One of my biggest grips is to have a teacher who says her way is the only right way. Bull you know what. As you said there are various techniques and you use the one that best suits what you are doing. I do think it is beneficial to take classes, but beware of the "my way only" teacher. Always give their way a try you might find it helps. I am an appliqurer and there must be 101 different way to do the same thing. Good luck and keep on quilting.