I love my Juki 98Q and GMQ frame. Together they were $2100. Already i know I want a long arm, but I can't afford it and even when I can, I will not give up the Juki. I LOVE her. I'm a beginner in the machine quilting department and my set up is great for learning. Yes, you have between 5-6 inches of quilting space at a time, but its still more freedom than I have known. For me it's the next step and one I wanted to take before buying a machine that equals a car payment. It has let me know that I like doing it, that I am comfortable with a frame, and I have learned tons in the past two months while getting used to her.
I would go for it for the Juki alone. Just remember the magic words "Juki Loves Oil" and all will be well.