Welcome to the QB, alapoint3. I've also struggled with the same thing but I think quilting has evolved over time. When I look at vintage quilts with their hand quilting I think of a time when women didn't have the many tools we have today and the quilts were mostly made for utility. My DH's aunt told me how she carded cotton in small batches for batting because it was too expensive for common folk to buy commercial batting. Those quilts had to be hand quilted close together and they still have batting bunched up in spots. Back in the 70's quilts were puffy (lots of thick polyester batting) with minimal quilting and the piecing showed up most. I can spot a 70's quilt easily. Today, the machine quilting seems to have taken over with more and more lovely designs that fill in spaces like artwork.
My puzzle is always, what's next? How will quilting change again to make something else that can be dated in the future? I strive to make my quilts for many years of service. Some I try to give that vintage look while others I put together with a modern touch. It's the variety that I enjoy. We are so lucky to have all the past to go back to for inspiration and all the new tools to make the job easier today. What a fun ride quilting is for so many of us.
So, enjoy the ride.....