I think it's just awful that someone would be expelled due to their workmanship or choice of fabrics! We are all at different levels of quilting expertise & we need to remember that at all times. I can't imagine the hurt that person had to feel because of that. I think that was inexcusable!
I just finished a round robin where some of us were "experts" & some of us were "beginners". In the end we didn't care, it was fun to see what we ended up with in the end. I've been quilting seriously nearly 30 years now & I still felt intimidated by some of the rounds I had to do. I wanted it to be "just right" so badly. Everyone that received my rounds were so happy with the work it was like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders.
The cigarette smoke smell is something I can't tolerate either. It makes me queasy to smell it, so that is the number one reason I don't participate in swaps unless it's listed as non-smokers only.
I think it would be a great idea to catagorize the swaps a little & everyone can join the one that appeals to them. ie: smokers or non-smokers, batiks, 30's fabrics, by tone or color, etc. Lots of ways to have a successful swap!
I know what it feels like to walk into a situation & have everyone "assume" I don't know what I'm doing. If I don't know what to do in a situation I'll ask, but don't assume I'm ignorant! That can be very demeaning! It can also turn a person off from trying anymore. I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt & give them confidence. I had one gal who used to be in our quilt guild & when I did ask a question, if she was nearby she would actually "shush" me!!!! I finally told her I thought she was one of the rudest persons I had ever met, & she had no right to tell me to shush! She never did it again! I'm a believer there is no such thing as a stupid question! Obviously she was not of like mind!!!
OK my turn on the soap box is over! LOL Everyone enjoy their projects!