I've only completed two quilts so far. Both were quilted by me and I enjoyed the process. The first was done using the feed dogs and stopping and turning at every corner, the second one was FMQ. I'm nowhere near good but I really enjoyed the FMQ work and intend to keep practicing at it.
I do believe that long arm quilters are worth every penny. There's nothing wrong with sending a quilt out. I don't feel it makes the quilt any less yours though if you didn't quilt it you should give credit to the person who did. LAQs can do things I only dream about. If I could afford it I would send a top out to be quilted. Unfortunately even the friends and for a good cause rate is too much money for my budget.
Rodney