If you are a writer is it cheating to use a computer instead of a pen? If you are an engineer is it cheating to use a cad program instead of graph paper & a pencil? If you're a mechanic is it cheating to use a computer to diagnos car problems instead of take'n the car apart piece by piece? If you're a scientist is using a computer cheating to do finite math? Law enforcement... to keep track of all those criminals on the street. All your manufacturing processes. Surgeons! On & on!
Is using a sewing machine to piece cheating OR even to quilt with? How many of use a computerized EMBROIDERY machine. Nothing is more precious than something done completely by hand but how many of use choose to use a machine to help us do the things we want to do? Most of us can't even be bothered to walk next door to talk with our neighbor, we call them on the phone, email or text!
Time conservation, cost effectiveness - that is what technology is all about. Because something has been made easier or faster does not mean quality or even pride in workmanship has to be sacrificed.
I have the ability to do both hand guided quilting or computerized. Most of my customers CHOOSE computerized e2e designs because they can get beautifully intricate designs at a reasonable price.
I would NEVER under any circumstance compare the beauty of hand quilting to what I do. Would any of you compare the quality of a hand made piece of furniture to that you bought at furniture store (unless of course that furniture store specialized in hand made furniture :) )