I agree. I cannot understand why anyone would form/join a quilting group if your intention was not to learn the basics, improve your skills and make your own quilts/quilted projects. Of course there is the "social" aspect, by that is a by-product, not the primary goal........and i would also think that each person would have their own (small to begin with) project.
My reaction to your description of their "expectations" was a feeling that I would want to back slowly but firmly away.