Pam,
I agree with you, there are so many different tools available for hand quilting and and so many different ways to practice it. I for myself found out that I only need needles (betweens #11 or #12) and hand quilting thread! I quilt without a thimble, but this is just MY way.
I always baste the layers of my quilts together with basting thread. I don't like basting spray because I have the feeling that the "quilt sandwich" becomes quite stiff and the layers can't move against each other while quilting. I hand quilt in a 18" hoop on a floor stand. Normally I spend 6-8 hours hand quilting per day. I often make a break, go for a walk, do some housework or gardening to move my body. I am an avid hand quilter doing wholecloth quilts and I am sure I will never start machine quilting...but I am really full of respect for every quilter who is able to manage it.