It took me some time to get used to the knee lift but I love it now. It also gives a little added lift to the pressure foot shaft, making it easier to get the walking foot on the machine. I really love that.
I had a knee control machine as a little girl. It was my first sewing machine. It also had long bobbins, not round.
The foot control on my machine has the ability to raise the needle with a press to the back of the pedal. Love that too.
I have tried to get used to the start/stop button but haven't yet. It's funny how we all love to sew but have different likes and needs with these things.
Fun reading this thread.