Based on this discussion thread, a friend of mine and I got on the subject of the motivation behind the gift. We didn't directly speak to this thread because she is not a quilter, but we discussed gift giving in the context of a family member.
Her point was what was the motivation for the gift? If the motivation of the gift was purely to bring them joy in their own way, it was a gift. If the motivation was to bring joy to yourself by giving the gift, it isn't really a gift but a means to self satisfaction. Once strings are attached to a gift that is given, it is no longer a gift but a debt that must be continually paid to the giver, not by monitary means, but by actions or by word.
She must really love the quilt and appreciate the gift to have it out 24/7. I have a quilt with strings attached. As I said before, it is taking up storage space because I'm afraid it will be ruined and I will upset the giver.