Well I am the owner of an Avante which I bought in the spring. I love it and find that with the right batting and design the quilts are not stiff as a board but rather soft and drapy. What I do not have are wrinkles or tucks or bubbles in the back and I no longer have to make a quilt sandwich (I abhorred this). Yes it is a huge investment and you need room for it. I always took large quilts out to a pro and had them done and they are lovely. BUT I really love to complete my own and a LA works for me. I have even done a few already for members of my quilt group and they have paid me. I am not starting a business however.