Is it possible she is a new LA and afraid to "branch out" into the "unknown"? If she is, she shouldn't be taking in customers until she learns her machine. My lady is awesome and like Buckeye Rose, she goes over thread, batting etc when I take it in and would never make a change without checking with me. Check with the local shops or the one you trade at. They often have employees who do LA and be sure to see their work before giving them a job.
Sorry for you past experience and I wouldn't dare take another quilt to her.