Some really nice person recently gave me one of the older HandiQuilter frames. I got it set up (with only a few trials and errors). Found there is definitely a learning curve. I have a Janome 1600P. Having problems with thread breaking, but I remember a conversation about thread brands which I am going to try and find and see if there is a fix there. Then just the FMQ is a skill that takes lots of practice.
HOWEVER, the feel of the machine and ease of movement is really, really cool.
Hope this remains an active thread and all us newbies can learn together.