I didn't read through all of the posts here but just wanted to share - I am heading off in a moment to cook dinner!
I definitely don't think that hand quilted quilts are any better or worse than machine made quilts. I use a long arm to quilt most of my quilts too so I really hope they aren't second class!!
I think it is all personal, what you like to do. Sometimes I like to hand quilt but I really enjoy the satisfaction of quilting quickly. I can tell you that I've probably spent the amount of time it takes to hand quilt a quilt on my machine too with heavy dense heirloom quilting.
There is always a stinker or two in every bunch. I love my guild but there are those who turn their nose up at me, but I refuse to let them rain on my parade. Take it with a grain of salt - and if you fit in better here then hang with us! We love to chat quilts no matter how you put it together!