In answer to your post about the Altos system...
I bought the original when I first started quilting and I have been very pleased with the results.
I use it all the time. Not just when cutting out my pieces but I use it as my general all purpose mat.
Mine is not as fancy as the 2 but mine was a great investment when I bought mine several years ago.
I have yet to change the cutting mat, the ruler is still in good shape and I love the fabric clamps.
Kirsten
PS...I have been looking at the die cut machine as well