What a set of stories!
My first machine (at age 50) is a used 1970s bernina 830 ($400). Never ever gonna give it up. My backup machine is an Elna Super ($150). I have it set up for doing HSTs and the like. And then there is the 1970s Phaff in Germany...
So... I have a couple of machines, they all sew 1/4 inch seams... what more do I need? The people running quilt shops in the area here in the Bay area look at me with dismay. They know they are not gonna get a 3 or 4 thousand dollar sale out of me. I have all the machines I will ever need.
Ah yes, the Tin Lizzy. That's another story.
tim in san jose