I have been looking at these machines myself and I was wondering the same things you were. I saw one of these Sizzix Big Shot Pro being used in a demonstration last year at a quilt show. They are unbelievable. I wouldn't use one to cut blocks or strips. I would use one more for applique. The one die cut that I really want is the large flower. I would be able to use these in some of my projects. Now, the Cricut, don't even bother trying to use this machine. It says it can cut fabric but a friend of mine brought one over that she had purchased and it really didn't cut the fabric at all. I ended up having to use scissors to finish cutting around the edges. Let me know what you think of your new machine.