I tend to like fluffier batts and less quilting than is currently popular, but a lot of that is because that is what I am able to do myself. Some times though warm & natural and dense intricate quilting is what I want.
I have to admit that my mind is having a hard time to wrap itself around the 3-D part of the quilt process. I do 2-D just fine. Plus I really can't draw at all which doesn't help. I've seen the difference a talented quilter can make in a lack-luster top but there's that key word "talented".
For the past couple of years I've had access to a friend's long arm but it looks like I will have to find other options. I've been composing a message for Craig's List to see if I can share a home set up with some one some how maybe a couple days a month for a year or so. I understand the cost of the systems and their maintenance and am willing to pay but can't afford the shop rates and scheduling time commitments as well as (of course) my batting, needles, thread, etc. Maybe I can trade house or pet-sitting for someone who travels or assist someone who isn't using their setup because of physical reasons. Looking for something mutually beneficial, of course finding a like-minded person who just loves to quilt and become my life-long devoted quilting partner would be ideal... but heck, I'll just pay for some time on a machine too.
Same thing with paying someone to quilt, what I'm willing to pay for can be done, but it isn't what I want. But, if I can find a quilter who loves the quilting aspect who would be willing to quilt my donation projects that would be great. I can adjust my projects by their pet charity if need be, mostly I like to have projects to keep me busy.
I know there are a lot of quilters in my area lucky enough to have home set-ups and then some of them find they don't enjoy it that much, or justified the cost by the idea of quilting for money and then found they didn't like that aspect of it but with total freedom to do what they want and their own schedule to do it, might be willing to accept some payment less than going rates.