You just have to do what works for you. I was a seamstress for many, many years, and old habits die hard. Because of this, I was accustomed to pressing all of my seams open. I have been nailed for this at every class I have taken since becoming a quilter. I don't like pressing to one side, I don't like nesting my seams, and I don't like stitching in the ditch all that much. I'm extremely careful to use 3 ply, strong cotton thread (Masterpiece 50# 3 ply) for my piecing, and carry the stitching to then end of each piece and lock it, so my seams don't come apart. I press the thread to "bury" it before I press it open. I like the way my tops lie flatter with open seams. More and more designers are pressing their seams open, like Bonnie Hunter. It works for me, I like it, stop harassing me, I'm sick of your lectures, and who made you the quilt police?
I feel your pain.