Oh, thank you all. I have been feeling like the "end of all people who think tied quilts are wonderful." A lot of the quilts I have been meeting "personally" have seemed like quilted cardboard. It seems reasonable to closely quilt if the object of the quilting is going to be used for a purpose which is supported by the close quilting. If it is to be used for cuddling up, keeping warm, and feeling loved, my pick is tied with really fat/puffy batting.
Happy Holidays, Pat