I find FMQ much easier on my Janome with its Start/Stop button that I can pre-set the speed on, rather than my Pfaff QE4 which is pedal only. The thread I've saved with the auto thread cutter has about paid for the machine, lol.
For appliqué, I prefer the Pfaff with the auto-pivot. This lifts the presser foot automatically, with needle down, when you stop sewing and automatically puts it down when you start sewing again, doing away with the need for a knee lift.
Now I need to find a machine that does it all!