I like to do needle turn applique for the same reasons romanojg mentioned. Have never done it for anythig big, just wall hangings and wouldn't use that technique for a quilt that will get a lot of hard use.
Before I took a class at quilt camp on hand or needle turn, I didn't do it 'cause my work looked awful. Ami Simms has a way of doing applique that might be just the thing for those who don't like needle turn.