I think it is just taking advantage of the advancements in quilting. There are those who think machine pieced isn't real quilting. Still others, machine quilted isn't real quilting. I say if the technology is out there, use it if you want to. I've never tried a long arm machine. I don't have access to one to borrow or room for one of my own. But I certainly take advantage of technology whenever I can...computers are my case in point. We didn't have them when I first started teaching, but I sure liked 'em when we did get them. I got pretty good at averaging grades in my head, but still had to use a calculator to be sure. Then had to "bubble" my grades (for 125 kids)in to submit to the ad bldg for report cards. Lots easier to just press the button for submit and be done with it! Yea!!