It was just a suggestion on the quilting as you go and no I don't think it defeats the purpose of a quilting frame at all. To me a quilting frame will keep my layers all nice and taut so I don't get wrinkles or puckers. It also allows me to be able to not fight with the material under the throat there.... I'd be happy if I could quilt half my quilt then move on. You can also turn a quilt too if need be.
There are a lot of people out there who only have and use a 9" machine.
There is a site of a woman who quilts amazing things with her 9" machine - and it is all beautiful and she does queen size quilts. I'm trying to locate that site again. When I do I will post it up. It is really inspirational for those that have 9" machines.