I prefer the open seams. I have a long arm and when you are quilting you have spots where the seams are that have 3 thicknesses and they stitch different. I won't quilt for others because I don't know how they do their seams. I have a friend who not only presses to one side but she lines each block so there are a lot of layers to sew through. For me it causes frustrating problems. I think the only problem with open seams is if you quilt in the seam you could break the threads. I prefer open seams and do my quilts that way unless it needs to be pressed to one side. Good to know yours went through a lifetime of use and is still going strong.