I use a Singer Featherweight 221 machine and silk pins. Sew over them regularly. Sometimes they do bend or get marks; but, my machine needle never breaks. The thicker glass headed pins I use to match points; but, on either side of the point I use the silk pins and remove the glass headed pin as I go over the point -- most of the time my points are perfect. I do have to replace some of the silk pins as they are bent or rough.
I have a newer machine also but tend to use it less frequently. My friends at the local quilt shop that I bought the machine from agree that the newer machines aren't quite as forgiving as the older ones.
Linda
W. PA, USA