Well, I think it's HUGE overkill to spend $1,400 on a machine that will be used exclusively for piecing with no FMQing or embroidery. In that case, you just want a very reliable machine that makes a perfect stitch and have a few additional features such as:
needle down
variable needle position
variable stitch length and stitch width
standard decorative stitches (potentially for applique)
maybe auto cutter for thread
Many, many good quality sewing machines have these features for much less than $1,400 when you are not concerned about harp size (area under the arm that affects how much quilt can be stuffed in there when machine quilting). Maybe you can use the excess money for fabric?