I'm having trouble with the phrase, 'just a quilter.' Some concepts aren't compatible with the notion of 'just'. One wouldn't say, 'She's just my mother.' If you're a quilter, you're a quilter, never just a quilter, if you see what I mean. But I believe I understand the distinction you're making.
I never quilt to please someone else. I look forward to giving my quilts to loved ones with the hope that they will be loved, but I've never made a quilt at another person's request, according to their preferences. The quilt has to spring from an idea or fabric that has captured my imagination. I don't think I would have the motivation to make it otherwise.