There really doesn't seem to be too many areas of quilting technique which are hard and fast rules. Almost every facet of quilting is a matter of opinion (in my opinion!). I may choose a different set of colors or arrangement for my own quilt, but that's what makes them "our quilts" that are unique to us. The lady who taught me basic quilting was strict about many things, but even she said she always intentionally put a "mistake" in her quilts somewhere, because that was part of the charm of homemade quilts. She didn't want something that looked like it came out of a factory, and I don't either. There's no danger that anything I make will be perfect, but those are my unique mistakes that I hope my great-grandchildren will enjoy; and if they chuckle about them, so much the better.