I have started pressing seams open. I've read a few articles on this issue, they say pressing to the side was to give added strength to the seams, but it was back when most quilts were done completely by hand. I started pressing seams open, and it works much better for me. I do a lil stay stitch at the start of each seam. I've washed a couple of my quilts, and so far they're holding up fine.
Good luck to you!
Kif