I bought an APQS George 5 yrs ago at the Paducah show. After an adjustment period, we learned to "dance" quite well w/ea other. I use Superior Bottom Line Prewound bobbins exclusively & have never had any problems. All the quilting I do is for donation so I have not made many attempts at ruler quilting or learning complicated patterns. Meandering works well for me as does stippling. I have done feathers. George has a 20" throat and sits like a regular sewing machine in front of me & that was the deciding factor for me. Space was a consideration too but it was just easier to wrap my mind around the way he sat in front of me & made it easier for me to handle. Good luck. Whatever you get, you will enjoy. Kathy