Hi, I have the Janome 6600 (now over 4 years old) and love it for EVERYTHING..... I have never had a problem with threads, and I do buy and use a lot of thread from Connecting Threads. Have never had a problem with it breaking, but it does produce lint, which is not a problem with me, as I clean my bobbin area every other bobbin use anyway. Love the accufeed, is just wonderful for attaching bindings and quilting, and it is very nice for use of bulky materials. For fmq, it is great, the extra throat space is nice to have. I too use the blue bobbin for fmg and is does make a difference, more even stitch tension. What amazes me is how easy this machine is to use, love all the stitches. The two features that I think ALL machines should have are: the push of a button to cut the threads, and the independent bobbin winder. So after saying all this did I add I just love my 6600 and out of my four Janomes, it is my favorite.......