Quilting on the HQ SS is different from quilting on a DSM. So ... if you have the $ and space go for it. You may get a good discount on a show machine or find, maybe even through the dealer or on your own, a used HQ SS from someone who traded up.
I have the HQ 16 and love it. Have gradually enlarged the length of the bed to as long as my studio will allow. Darn it not full length.
HQ's are considered mid-arms but function as long arms. Only the elite get upset by this though as the results are the same,. The only difference being size.
Heck, I couldn't even get the full grown HQ 16 in my living room, let alone a long-arm, due to all the doorways the thing would block. However a friend did install her Statler Stitcher in her living room and there is a narrow area around it to work and to get into the rest of her home. She does it for income though.
ali