Thanks again for all the replies. I ended up buying the Pfaff 2048 and so far I am happy. I can go back to the dealer for lessons if I need to. Apparently there is a stitch regulator for free-motion for my Pfaff machine, so I may try that down the road.
The only thing I do not really like is the needle threader, I find that it gets in the way and makes creaky sounds when I am using some stitches.
I also bought the stitch-in-the-ditch foot and I love it!