The sales person probably couldnt see past the dollar signs she was seeing envisioning the machine she could sell to you...
I am only a newbie and have started with machine quilting but i am seriously considering starting to handquilt something as like you said it is nice to be able to sit on the lounge with your hubby and watch tv.
Maybe you could put up a notice in her shop for likeminded handquilters to join you and see how much interest you get.....