The IDT feature on Pfaff machines is a big help in piecing. They seem expensive to me, but I haven't priced other machines (Bernina, Baby Lock, Janome), so I don't know how they compare. I would recommend checking with your dealer to see if you can get a used machine that will work for you. We bought a used machine for me that I will probably never wear out for $300. The owner had purchased it at "our shop," used it for several years, then brought it back as trade on a nicer machine. We know it was serviced regularly, and it will do everything I will ever need it to do. Much better than paying $1k or $2k for my purposes.
Darren