I'd say it's more about how you use the quotes than the amount.
Student A: this. Quote 1. That. Quote 2. This. Quote 3. That. Quote 4.
Student B: This text blah, blah a CLEAR link Quote 1. Quote 1 explained and analysed for technique. Repeat Quote 2 and Quote 3.
Obviously B is better even though there are 'less' quotes.