I've had mine since last November and I love it. The winder is much bigger than you might suppose - it's capable of winding two bobbins at once, and has a big motor in between them.
The table is great, and I don't think you would have a problem getting your legs underneath it, even though the machine base sits on a shelf below the table surface.
I've used all sorts of combinations of threads on it, and never needed to change the tension once.
Apart from the 16in distance from needle to pillar, don't forget you have a lot more space UNDER the harp (heightwise). I measured it the other night for another poster, but I can't remember exactly what it is, I think it's at least 9in - much higher than domestic machines, so there is oodles of room to shove a big quilt in that space. Can you operate a foot pedal? You can dial in a specific speed and then just press the pedal to the floor, which might be helpful.