I am thrilled to hear that you are willing to give the vintage Singer machines a chance. I have Featherweights and do not consider them a novelty. They are a wonderful workhorse for their size, but I do agree that the prices that people are asking for them can be a bit daunting. They are a perfect machine to take to class - or on vacation as I have done. I also have Singer 301 machines and absolutely love them. They are a fantastic machine and I use this machine for piecing and I have even done some machine quilting on them. If you have the chance at a 301 for $69.00 I would say grab it and have it serviced - yo will never be sorry. Good luck and hope you will come to enjoy your vintage Singer.
Sue in PA