Yes. Finished truly IS better than perfect. You can't enjoy those quilt tops while they're sitting in a drawer. Better to have them meander quilted or straight-line quilted or whatever works, and on the bed. Maybe you could save one or two to send out to a long arm quilter, and do the rest yourself. As for basting, have you considered basting with Elmer's Washable School Glue? I started doing that a couple years ago and now never use any other method. I spread out the backing, batting, and top on my dining room table, brush thinned Elmer's (the "washable" kind only!) with a basting brush, let it all dry, then quilt. The glue all easily washes out in the washing machine afterwards. I love this method.