Bias binding is used for durability and curves - so you don't need it on tablerunners and wall quilts unless it's part of your design (stripes or plaid on the bias, for example). I would definitely use it on any high-traffic quilts like baby quilts or often-used lap quilts that get a lot of handling and laundering.
If you have trouble getting bias binding on smoothly, I recommend using a walking foot while stitching it to the front. And as I said in a post just a while ago, don't trim away the excess batting and backing until you have sewn on the binding strips.
I don't do the continuous methods from the little squares unless I am low on fabric. I prefer to just buy one yard for the purpose and cut my strips as long as possible. I use the double (French) bindings, so I cut them 2" wide, then press them in half. Diagonal seams.