In my opinion...a "scant" quarter inch isn't something you can consistantly find on your machine....there isn't a stitch plate that has "scant quarter inch on it"
Your either swinging your needle or your fabric position etc. And if your off on where your fabric is lined up or your needle has an issue you have no idea where your seam should be.....and how do you measure a thread or 2....what if I used Coats & Clark on one and Aurifil on the next quilt...do I have to re-measure?
I'm of the opinion, that if you measure it right, cut it accurately, then your quilt will go together correctly.
Coming from a IT background I know there are several ways to get to something on your computer. However in the end your still calling up the same basic command in the background when you launch "Internet Explorer" for instance. It's a consistant thing.
So for me and ONLY me and ONLY my opinion. A scant quareter inch isn't something that you can always find on a machine.
But having said all of that...my quilts are to snuggle up with and be loved...none of them are something I would enter into a contest, etc. So 100% accuracy isn't something I'm going to lose any sleep over. :)
P.S. Did I mention this is all MY opinion...cause I know this is an ongoing debate for a lot of people. And I can agree to disagree on this one. :)