In quilting, there are many (legal) ways to get the job done. I do what works for me. Please do not let one person spoil your fun and put you off quilting. Do what you are comfortable doing. This Board has taught me many things I never knew and I have loads of respect for different approaches to the same issue. Many of the things you mention, have been debated here at great length,but the final decision is what works best for YOU! Now you know which teacher to avoid in future. Hang in there and get those creative ideas flowing again.