It's just another possible tool in a quilter's workbox. We all have our own likes and dislikes. It's similar to the ongoing discussions on "too much" quilting, tying vs. quilting, hand work vs. machine, all quilting cottons vs. blends, etc. The quilting universe is big enough for everyone. Like everything else I've seen quilts with embroidery, both hand and machine, that I didn't think enhanced the design, and I've seen quilts where embroidery accents have elevated a hum drum top. This is where the skill in machine embroidery lies, and there is some skill needed to be successful. Choosing a design of appropriate size and density for your project, proper stabilization, correct thread: weight, color and content, precise placement all take some level of expertise.
I don't know the answer about receiving something you don't care for in an exchange. To me, an exchange is getting something I would not have made myself, but I guess you would need to carefully read the rules of a specific exchange to ensure the item you get is to your taste and follows the rules. If a machine embroidered item adheres to the rules, then you may need to petition the moderator of the event to add a rule to exclude such items. Or host an exchange yourself where you create the exchange guidelines.