Happiness is having a good quality machine that does what you want and doesn't make you feel guilty about spending the money. In the 70s and 80s I went through several high priced machines that weren't worth the money I spent on them (top of the line Kenmore and Montgomery Ward). Then I found a true sewing machine shop where I bought a Pfaff. I fell in love with sewing again. I now own several machines just because I love them. I have both low cost machines and pricey machines. I have learned that my requirements are (1) heavy enough not to move around when I fmq; (2) holds tension without constant adjusting; (3) feeds the fabric straight; (4) decent space in the harp. Anything else is luxury.
Test them all. Buy what feels right to you that is within your budget. There are both old and new machines that can do that.