One of the first quilting books I bought - by Kaye Wood -used 1/2 inch seams.
The only time I use 1/2 inch seams is what I am sewing squares for a rag quilt.
If using closely woven fabric (that, for me, has been washed) - and using about 12 stitches to an inch - it will hold together just fine with 1/4 inch seams - especially if it has been quilted fairly closely together.
If I was using some fabric that was coarsely/loosely woven and/or I was planning to tie only about every six inches (horrors!), then I would also consider using a wider seam.
That narrow seam does take some getting used to. If you have been sewing garments - think about how many times the instructions say to trim!