From the perspective of someone totally new to quilts (no family background either), if it wasn't for the newer methods I wouldn't do it at all. One reason is I abhore hand sewing. Hate it. My least favorite part of quilting is binding the gosh darn thing. I don't applique for the same reason (but will look into machine applique at some point in the future). I also couldn't imagine cutting all that fabric straight and square without the use of our friend the rotary cutter.
I agree to a point with IzaQuilter about the feeling of 'cheating' if you sent a quilt out to be long arm quilted; however, my domestic machine can't handle the 16" blocks on my CA King quilt. I'm also new so until my free motion skills get better I'm not going to tackle anything too complicated and ruin a lovely piece.
Sue