I've used two longarmers who were recommended by my LQS. The first is local, inexpensive and great for edge to edge quilting. The second was a two hour drive, and did a fabulous (but not inexpensive) custom job on my daughter's DWR. Each of these women have their strengths, and I would hire either again, depending upon the needs of the quilt. I love Bonnie Hunter's quilts, but custom quilting would be lost in them - those would go to the local lady. If I ever finish my Judy Neimeyer Feathered Star, I will probably be talking to the custom quilter.
BTW, I did send one quilt to Missouri Star Quilt Company, and was very pleased with the results, but it did take several weeks longer than they initially said it would to get it back. Good thing I wasn't on a deadline.