Judy, Glad I could help you decide. I have been doing applique this way for about 3+ years - don't think I'll ever do it another way. You're right - it's so speedy!
Belles, I haven't ever needed or felt the need to use stabilizer with this method as the zig-zags are further apart than satin stitch applique. They are also narrow, so there isn't much room for tunneling. I keep my tension loose & that may help a bit. That & the fusible acts as a sort of stabilizer.