What company was the small longarm. I have friends with midarms that like them. Janome and Juki machines, Grace frames. I would look into them. One friend has a Hinterberg frame, not sure who makes the midarm machine, but she loves it.
I have a Bernina 440 QE and I love it. I also have embroidery module that I am just learning to use now. I like the stitch regulator on the Berninas.