Just because you didn't like FMQ on your domestic machine, does not mean you will not have a natural talent on a long arm. They are tow entirely differently ways of quilting. I hated doing FMQ on my domestic machine and decided, after quilting 4 quilts, that I was not going to do that forever. Not when it was big quilts I was working with. If I were you, I would try the different machines at a Quilt show. That is what I did. You will know which one is the right "feel" for you. There are many good deals on used machines out there. If you go on the APQS Forum--go th "Machines for Sale" and you will find many good deals. I think there is also a HQ16 listed on there right now. If I were to buy a used machine, I would not hesitate to buy one on the APQS Forum. Or there is the APQS.com where you can find teh DEMO machines on sale right now--but that may be a higher price tag than you want to spend. I do not know anything about the Voyager or Bailey's machines. I did have a Tin Lizzie 18 and had problems with it. I also do quilting for others so it was heaviy used. It may have been just fine for me if I were only quilting as a hobby for myself. I believe every company will have a "lemon" sometimes just like you can buy a brand new car and get a "lemon". I think I had a lemon because there are other people on here that have Tin Lizzies and love them and have had no problems with them. I think an HQ 16 or an 18" in any brand would serve your needs just fine. I bought a APQS Freedom last November and love it. It has a 26" throat because I wanted teh longer throat, as I do alot of custom quilting for customers. I bought new because I didn't ahve the funds available to be able to buy a used one straight out. When buying new, you can finance teh machine, which enables you to get what you really want. Your other option might be to get a Sit-Down machine. They have lots of quiting space. Various companies also have them. I know HQ, BabyLock, APQS, and I think Innova, all has a sit-down machine. Good luck on your search. Keep us updated to what progress you make in your decision.