I think crosshatching the braid would be perfect! Maybe devide the braid sections in half, not too big or too small? The pebbling in the background looks awesome but I think you either have to continue with that intensive quilting or go to a more open crosshatching that allows the excess fabric to puff a little. I find the further I get out from the center FMQuilting, the more the fabric likes to act up. Your way better than I am, so maybe this isn't an issue for you.