I hear you on the fact that the quilt is not always received well by the person it is given to. Putting all questions about design and personal preference aside, I have this philosophy about quilts that are given away:
* They will find the home they are meant to be in. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but some day!*
I think we release quilts into the world like dandelion seeds, to float to wherever they will find root.
I bought a quilt, probably 80+ years old, that was culled from a collection due to moth damage. I have not repaired the moth damage on this old wool-based "camp quilt". It is part of its character. I love the old thing and keep it where I can see it. It is where it needs to be : )