I think it all comes down to what the end use is for the quilted article you are making. A drag around quilt for a toddler that will be washed every few days is just not in the same category as that heavily quilted art quilt for the National Juried Show. In my opinion quilts that are heavily quilted which does make them much stiffer have moved themselves into the art category and should never be judged in the same class as quilts that will be used for warmth and comfort. That's what's so great about quilting - there are so many possibilities.