I think of quilting as a technique rather than a particular 'thing.' Quilts are just generally stitched with a top, middle, and bottom. Some are soft and cuddly and others are not: some bedspreads, placemats, mug mats, purses, pieces of art are not at all cuddly. I would agree that the heavily quilted technique is a particular skill set that is very much admired at the moment.