i'm very happy with my flynn quilting frame.
i didn't have any problem with the switch to quilting from the side of the sewing machine.
it didn't take long to master moving the quilt around on the pvc pipes. i now guide my quilts with 2 fingers when i'm quilting, its that smooth.
i typically lay down utility stitches (like stitch in the ditch) first and then i pull out the middle rod. this way i can move the quilt back and forth however i wish since the 3 layers are being held together by the SITD.
this allows me to do more complex designs without having to cut the threads off and move to the next section.
if i don't plan to do any SITD i put done long basting stitches on the flynn and then i pull out the middle rod.
once i'm done with all the complex designs i just cut out all the basting stitches.