I do freemotion -- because I can't afford the computer yet. I WAS babysitting a friend's computerized longarm. It had a program where I could create designs. I COULD adjust a design so it didn't go over a line more than 2 times (let's say) but you would lose the design!!!! There's a reason for it backtracking a lot. You simply can't get from here to there without backtracking a lot on some designs. And, I too, do a lot of backtracking. in some cases....more than I should. :)
I've noticed that people that use strictly computer or pantos tend to use the same patterns over and over and over. I like free motion for 2 reasons: 1) each block is looked at individually and I quilt for that quilt - not just because I have a certain pattern and 2) I get bored as heck watching the machine work and I'm having to stand there! My shop is in an outbuilding on our property....I can't do anything else but stay with it.