I have not read this entire thread, so if I add more of the same, I apologize up front.
I am so conflicted when it comes to this quilting issue. I love the look of professionally done quilts, but I agree that way too many of them are over done with the feathers (square, round, borders etc) and I think they detract from the beauty of the quilt which they should have enhanced.
On the other hand, I also think that the overdone quilting can make a less than professionally pieced quilt look spectacular and the novice looking at the quilt will not see the piecing but the quilting.
Most times I think that the quilter is outshining the piecer and that shouldn't be the case unless you are both and that is the way you want it.