After reading this thread, my head is spinning!!! So many "best" machines! It just goes to show that there are actually a whole LOT of good machines out there.... and like computers, no matter what you choose, you'll always then see another that is just a little better, has just a few more bells and whistles, is just that much better bargain, and on and on it goes. Probably the best route is to pick one that meets your needs at the moment, buy it, and live with it.
I just bought a Brother Innovis 600, and a lot of people turn their noses up at Brother machines. But I love it and it does everything I need, so there you go.....
Good luck!