My first machine was a short arm, old Singer head, and had no stitch regulator. So when I bought my mid arm I didn't even consider a stitch regulator because I out sew them, and I had enough practice to keep my stitches fairly even. Another reason is the cost of the machine. I can see where they would be nice to have, but they don't guarantee even stitches! I think you need to decide is this a business or are you doing it mostly for yourself and don't expect to do it full time. I would suggest that you try all the machines with and without the stitch regulator and see for yourself how the different machines feel.