I just bought a book "Pathways to Better Quilting" 5 shapes for machine quilt patterns by Sally Terry. While it is more for Free Motion Quilitng, there is a section on how to choose quilting patterns that compliment blocks rather than distract. I am finding the book informative without compromising my own "feel' for creativity. It is a American Quilter's Society publication in 2004 of the Golden Thread series.
Good Luck with your search. I agree with you. "Quilt as desired" is as lame as "cook until done"--what would that be?