My goodness! This thread has been going for quite awhile, hasn't it? I have a Viking (actually 2...a Lily and a Rose). No, they are not top of the line at this point in time. Before that I had a Singer which had an unfortuate accident a very long time ago. As for why I do not have another Singer....to get to a store to purchase/service a Singer would take me at least 45 minutes. The LQS I go to sells Vikings...I can get there in 20 minutes.
I take my Lily to classes at the LQS all the time. None of the other 'students' are ever critical of my lower end machine. And, I do enjoy seeing the capabilities of their higher end machines. For one thing....a BOM class I am doing currently uses the decorative stitches on our machines. They have so many more options to choose from and I am quite envious! The LQS ladies know that one of these days, I will trade up...no pressure ever during a class.
Regarding classes: I do know that they offer classes to people who purchase the high end Vikings from their store to help them learn to use their machines. If you want to take one of those 'operator' classes and you did not purchase your machine from the store, then there is a fee. I see no problem with that, whatsoever. I know there are circumstances where one comes across a machine that is simply to good of a deal to pass up. However, I would always be cautious, if purchasing from ebay or craig's list.
Now, I will also say...I have had the opportunity to help some beginning 4Hers who have had relatively inexpensive machines. First, I agree...no parent is going to buy a higher end machine for an 8 year old who 'thinks' she wants to learn to sew. LOL But, I wish all the sewing machine manufacturers would put speed control and stop in needle down position on all their machines! Those 2 things would make helping these little gals so much easier! That is the only thing that has bothered me about their machines.