Hubs bought me a Sears machine many years ago (15 perhaps) and I have not had the first problem with it. It has some of the fancy stitches and alphas, too. But it's not the easiest to quilt on. Don't think I can drop the feed dogs so that is an issue. Hubs has a Harley, pretty sure I want a Bernina. Is that a comparison or what? But would settle for Husq or Baby Lock. ha I really appreciate all the info you've shared, especially about the Janome as I was giving that some thought, too.