I'm not a long arm quilter, just a client. I'm in a large city in Texas, so what I have to say is not completely related to the pricing structure in PA. Here, computer designs (pantos, edge to edge) run about 2 cents per square inch. Some charge extra for thread, some don't. "Custom" quilting starts at 4 cents per inch and goes up, depending on complexity.
My thought was that maybe you need to redefine your "freehand" quilting as "custom" quilting. I would think it pays more.
bkay