Since you are first starting out, I would not spend alot on a machine. I know you said you would stay away from a brother 6000, but I have the runway model and don't have any issues with it. I had one issue once, but it was my own oops that i figured out after walking away from it for a day. It has all the options I want, I am able to buy accessories on line for it. I figure the money I save now can be put towards a long arm later.