These common scenarios just emphasize to me that it's good to have a back-up machine. I LOVE my high-tech, computerized Berninas, but it's good to have a vintage mechanical in the closet for just such occasions. It helps if you don't expect a computerized sewing machine to last more than 20 years. If my computerized babies function beautifully for 10 years each, I'll consider anything beyond that to be extra credit. I expect the mechanicals will sew for my kids, too!