My "dream machine" is the HQ Sixteen sit-down model. I tried one at a quilt show and fell in love. Besides which, I have no room for a longarm except if I finished my basement and put it down there, and I know that to justify the cost of one, I'd make myself quilt for others for $$, and it would take the joy out of quilting for me. (Whew, that was one long sentence!)
Many years ago I graduated from a Master Seamstress program, and then went into business doing alterations... absolutely HATED it. It ruined the joy of sewing for me totally, and I didn't sew anything for myself for a long, long time. I find quilting so relaxing and creative and wonderful that I wouldn't want to take that chance again.