20+ years ago I bought my Bernina so I could do applique blanket stitch ( I have a 1230)...I have used the stitch so much, I am always afraid someday it will decide not to do the stitch anymore
I use most of the rest of the stitches on the machine also. Most important to me when buying the machine was that I could control the width and length of the stitches, and also the needle down option. I also wanted to have the knee lift which is so wonderful to use when doing applique.
Whichever type of machine you decide to buy, be sure to TRY out the machine for what you want to use it for...try the blanket stitch on the machine if that is what you will be wanting to use it for. The stitch is different from machine, and you want to be sure it is easy to maneuver around corners, curves.
Happy sewing machine shopping...I hope you find just what you are wanting!