Bearding is the annoying behavior of cheap poly batting of releasing individual fibers that penetrate from within the fabric and gives a shabby look to the whole quilt...as if it were growing a beard.
I have found that since I am not much of a hand quilter but aspire to be a better one, the poly is so much easier to needle. No more struggling with cotton batting if I am going to hand quilt. I do prefer the low loft however.
Jane in NC