I am another 440 owner who specifically bought the machine because of the BSR. The 400 series has been replaced by the 500 series, and you might get a good deal on a 440 these days. You also might find a pre-owned one from someone who has updated to a 820 or 830. I tried FMQ on my old Bernina 1031 and I just wasn't successful. I found the BSR got my over a huge learning curve. However I did eventually "outgrow" it. Now I just use the 440 for it's regular sewing abilities, something it is very good at, and I do not regret the purchase at all. I do my FMQ on a sitdown mid-arm (a Handiquilter Sweet 16). However I never would have bought the S16 if it hadn't been for the confidence the BSR gave me. Berninas are wonderful, reliable machines with great stitches. I have a personal preference for the 5.5mm stitch width machines (like the 440). The 9mm machines have lovely decorative stitches but I don't think the straight stitch is as good. You also need a straight stitch plate to do piecing easily (IMHO) since the "hole" is so wide on the regular zigzag plate. However YMMV.
Pam