there is no such thing as a midarm that is not expensive. :?
how much are you willing to spend? knowing that will help the others stear in a direction you're willing and able to go. ;-)
if you live near savannah, GA, i know where you can score the new Janome Horizon for $2,400. 11-1/2" throat space. i don't know his current price for the MC 6500 or MC6600 but he's usually hundreds lower than anywhere else i look when i'm looking.
i think there are 15" and 16" straight-stitch only machines for much less. this one has all the bells and whistles.