I have only hand quilted two quilts so I certainly do not have the expertise that others have. I used the PVC type of rectangular hoop and started in the middle of the quilt. It was comfortable for me to quilt that way and I was sure I wouldn't shift the batting and backing while I was quilting. I had basted and pinned the quilt but I didn't think what I did stabilized the sandwich enough. I tried machine quilting one of the quilts but ended up taking all that out because the backing bunched up a lot.
If you get a satisfactory product not using a hoop, I say do what you like. I am sure your quilts are really beautiful and the sandwich is fine. If I get more experience, maybe I could do it that way, also.