Hi - I have this machine and have had fun using it. It's good you realize going in that it's not going to be the same as a long arm. I've had mine since 2007 and I think I paid about 3500 new for the entire set up.
I've gotten along pretty well with a 3" quilt, roll and repeat but would like a larger area. Having said that, it is only the last half where you start getting down to 3", it's after you have quilted quite a bit and the take up lever has all the quilt sandwich on it. I'm not going to invest in another set up though.
What I like is I can put the quilt on the frame and not have to sit on the floor pinning and then pushing the quilt through my machine. knock on wood, I haven't had a bit of problems with it and the back always comes out nice = no wrinkles.
I would invest in a set of canvas leaders for it. REally made the difference for me in loading the quilts. I also float the top and batting.