I was reading some discusions about sewing machines today.
That made me ponder about what features I actually USE when I'm sewing
Straight stitch - I hardly every back stitch, but it's nice to have
Walking foot (Pfaff) - but my old Bernina fed the fabric well, too
Self-adjust tension
Needle down
Reverse pattern (mirror image)
Regular presser foot, and the zipper foot. I finally learned how to use the marker/quide for grid quilting a couple of years ago.
The little marks on the throat plate for seam allowances.
Zig-zag, multiple step zig-zag, blind-hem stitch
Adjustable needle position
Needle threader (very nice to have)
There is a thread cutter on the Pfaff, but I usually use scissors to cut the threads