this helps explain the popularity of all type of frames (hand and machine) that let you mount the backing first, layer the batting in and put the quilt face on top.... no basting... even for hand quilting, John Flynn's frames were sold for this long before he put them under a machine...
don't overlook the local machine quilters...most of us will baste a quilt for a one hour charge and it is flat, no tucks no back aches....
but I have to say, the marble thing is ingenious!