As so many others have posted, those that do not quilt themselves can not begin to envision the difference between a completed quilt and incomplete top. To demonstrate that go to this posting picturing the unfinished top before and after quilting.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...2-t145622.html
Finish the top and complete the gifting and do it promptly. Don't let another 6 months to a year pass by. If the response is still lackluster, know that you gave for all the right reasons and don't gift them another quilt unless it is a completed quilt from a kit your DMIL gave to you requesting you to complete it.