I think it's a matter of personal preference, and a tied quilt does not make it less of a quilt. This gets into Quilt Police territory, IMO. If anyone tells you it's not a "real" quilt, just turn and walk away, lol. The only opinion that counts is yours.
I've always been more a fan of quilting vs tying, but I saw a quilt that Kaffe Fassett did that was tied with French knots - and it was drop-dead GORGEOUS. Now I'm contemplating which one of my unfinished tops I should tie with French knots! lol!