In the last decade I've had the privilege of seeing some amazing trunk shows from quilt curators, appraisers and similar level of professionals with decades of higher education on quilts and all the components thereto. When we saw old-old-old quilts batted or stuffed with handmade cloth rugs, newspaper and hair (yes, HAIR!!!!), not a one told us they weren't quilts. When they showed cathedral window quilts (no batting), not a one told us they weren't quilts.
I have a t-shirt that says, "Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?"