When we started looking for an embroidery machine for my sewing room. We made the mistake of going to a sewing center shop (the ones who sell machines not like a LQS) She kept steering us to the 3000 dollar Babylocks. I told her my budget was under a grand. She looked as if I threw a bucket of water on her and was melting. We left, I went online and ordered my PE770 by Brother.
I have a Brother SQ9000 that does what I want, has lots of stitches etc. Then my Janome 11543 is the machine I go to for the mean stuff like denim and thick seams. The Janome will sew a quilt top and FMQ it also.
Do some more research online and take those sales people hogwash with a grain of salt.