When I stitch-in-the-ditch on my domestic machine, I use a walking foot and the standard stitch length (because, I too forget to reset it otherwise). I will stitch near the ditch when the fabrics are high contrast and I want to always stitch in the side that coordinates with my thread, even if the ditch is on the other side. Unless they extend beyond the edge of the quilt, I bury my threads (because I am good at it and what’s a little extra time when you already quilt as slowly as I do?).