Obviously, ripping vs. cutting is a personal preference. I appreciate when a quilt shop that rips ASKS me first if ripping is ok. I've had fabric ruined from ripping (thread across the entire length pulled as a result of ripping), so the idea that it is a harmless method is not true. On the other hand, I have had fat quarters that were clearly cut from yard goods that were never checked for grain. Honestly, on most pieces of fabric, it is easy to see the grain and I have bad eyesight!