some of what is being discussed here is very lovely thread art. or fibre art.
that said, it certainly has a place in the sewing world.
but, i agree that some of the newer styles of quilting are more like photo copying with fabric or like collage with fabric. running some machine stitches over that kind of sewing, IMHO, doesn't make it a quilt. it still is what it is. thread art and fibre art.
i also don't think that should insult anyone's taste. i just feel that it's two different things. IMHO.