I to have a sit down HQ 16. I love it. The only problems I have found for me so far is Sulky thread.................don't use. It breaks constantly............was told by dealer they don't recommend it because of breakage. It is at times hard to get the round needle in place correctly. As for the stickyness of table. I learned a long time ago to polish with cloth (there really is a good amount of dirt in it) it will polish nicely, or use silicone or furniture polish to get it good and slick! Love the table and lights. I also add more table space when doing a large quilt. You're right about the the learning curve on straight lines, so far I use a ruler made for that. I like it when doing small busy designs. It works smoothly. It is awkward to put bobbin in place as I have arthritis and a bad back.
You'll love it.
Carol