How you choose to finish your quilts is up to you. I know what you mean about the recent thougts on pattern quilting. When I started taking notice of what was happening in the quilting community it was said tacking was only acceptable for charity quilts. Like everything in life this is a phase or trend. I tack all my quilts. It's my choice. There is not right or wrong in how to finish your quilts. Although rare, there are antique quilts in museums that have been tacked.