I think it is a matter of preference...if a lot of quilting is to be done on the quilt then a lot of the open seams will be sewn over again, and I would think that would hold it ok. Now, maybe a quilt that was going to be used/washed a lot would benefit from the seams to the side. There are no quilt police in my sewing room so depending on how I feel the day I sew/piece my quilt could experience a little of both!