I think it's like comparing apples and oranges, watercolors and oils, running and swimming...two different forms of the same thing. I personally LOVE to hand quilt, so it is unlikely you will ever find me machine quilting a quilt. (Maybe a potholder.) Why give up my favorite form of therapy?!?!?!? On the flip side, I would never expect everyone to finish their quilts in this way. It is a skill that takes time to master. Some don't have that time. It also takes a long time to finish a quilt by hand quilting. Some don't have that time either. I've seen beautiful (and sloppy) machine quilting and I've seen beautiful (and sloppy) hand quilting. But, if the maker got fulfillment and joy out of their work, done the best way they could, sloppy or perfect, what is the big deal!?!?!? Life is too short to live up to others expectations. Do what you like the best way you know and have fun with it!!!!!