I really try to hit a balance - don't want to leave noticeable mistakes, but I quilt for enjoyment, creativity and to relieve stress. I want to improve and grow but obsessiveness would kill every reason I quilt so I don't want to go down that road. Concerning the issues Stillclock mentioned, I think it depends on the reason for making the quilt and who is receiving it. Unless I was wanting to develop or improve a skill and/or if the receiver would notice and appreciate the effort and time put into the design elements I wouldn't add to the complexity of the project. Let's face it most of us are looking for at least some appreciative feedback- but if someone has no idea what they are looking at we can't be disappointed when the appreciation for our time and effort isn't expressed. In other words I've learned not to set myself up for disappointment. If I want to do it just for my own skill development and appreciation without any expectations from the receiver to "notice" the added effort I go for it.