To me, it's a matter of ethics. Since quilts are meant to be used - even as wall hangings - they will eventually need to be washed. The customer/recipient should not be unpleasantly surprised by the results of that first wash.
I always wash my fabrics and then starch them rather heavily. Because of the starch, they MUST be washed before presentation. I always toss in a "Color Grabber," and I'm always amazed by how much color it grabs! I'm considering giving future recipients a "Color Grabber" along with each quilt.