I couldn't agree more! I just finished a New York Beauty (88" x 96") because I wanted a challenge and wanted to "prove" myself. Well, it's done (pictures to come, eventually), but I'm not sure it's any more satisfying than many of the simpler quilts I've done. Sure, it may be a work of art, but from what I"ve heard, the average non-quilter certainly doesn't think it's any better--and it took me eight months to finish!
I also read a thread on here recently that basically trashed smokers and the "stink" on the fabric. I'm not proud of it, but I'm a smoker. Yet, I've never had a recipient of any of my quilts be moved to anything less than tears by my gift of a quilt. Perhaps the smell bothers them and they just don't say anything, but from the prominent display and use of the quilts I think this is unlikely.
What I'm getting at is that I have to remember that I quilt because I love to quilt. I don't need to do it for anyone else's approval, or to prove myself to anyone. The day I start doing that it becomes a job, and the fun is gone. So, keep taking the challenges if you love a challenge, but once in a while do something simple with pretty fabric just because you can!