I used to move my needle. Then I got the Pfaff Creative Sensation for Christmas - which comes with a 1/4 inch foot. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. Should have bought one years ago. I'm amazed at the difference it makes. I can't describe in words how much better it is than moving the needle. It just IS!
A quilt with 1/2 inch seams will be a lot heavier. There will be bigger 'humps' to sew through when you are quilting. This will be a bigger problem if you're a hand quilter than if you're a machine quilter, but it is something to think about.