I like the puffier look. I only use high loft polyester batting. I have no problem quilting quilts with my 9" throat machine.
When I spread a quilt on my bed most of the puffiness smooths out.
For donation and give away quilts I use 80/20, W&N or project fleece and or polyester batting. I am finishing a give away quilt with high loft polyester batting for a Lady that lives in a cold part of U.S.A. and probably would like it to be warm.
I wash and dry all finished quilts. Once I give them away I don't worry about how they are taken care of.
Like every part of quilting we make it like we like it.