Quilting is an Art , just like a painter or any other artist working in a medium , there are many methods to get to the final completed "work".
I appreciate the full spectrum in the art that the gadjets , gizmo's and technolgy have facilitated.
It is each artists choice as to what will be utilized to best reflect their vision.
I do get a bit upset with quilt shows that focus on only what I call abstract art , alot or all fusing , all machine, etc. only that the organizers were not so specific in informing what would be shown.
Recoginizing that the current economy and cost of fabric has brought many back to the roots of quilting.It was the ( in my opinion) one of the earliest recycling methods, that demostrated the individual skills and artistry. This Recycling/re-purposing of bits of useable/viable fabric into something with new purpose is ( I beleive) one of the core elements , that I am happy to see making a .. revival.
Just my two cents worth.