i think in the 8 years i've had my long-arm i've turned on the stitch regulator twice- maybe 3 times- i absolutely HATE It! i'm one of those people who dont think you should use (cruise control) until you have good control on your own. that's just me- many many quilters out there would not consider trying to quilt a quilt without the regulator on-
maybe you could visit someplace that would let you try a machine out with a regulator so you can see what it;s like to use one-then you could decide.
i have read that if you plan to do (big show) quilts you need the regulator- the judges are very picky about all the stitches being consistant.
i freehand everything and actually vary the size of my stitches on purpose sometimes to add texture- movement- and different design features.