You are not being greedy. It sounds to me like you have not found your "Soul mate" of a sewing machine, and you are searching for it. I do not know your price range, but have you tried a Bernina? The only reason I mentioned it, is you said you did a lot of applique. Bernina has the needle down feature, and the leg lift is standard on all machines, which frees your hands up for applique. I just love my 440 for applique, but they are no longer making them. If you do pick up a used 440, have it checked out first, as the plastic piece on the front cover is cracking and breaking. Bernina is replacing them, free of charge, but it has to come from the original owner. I hear the 500 series are nice, also. Good luck on your search.