Like you, I get lost when it comes to considering a new machine. I really like my weighs-a-ton vintage machines, but since they are mostly straight stitch only, I wanted more. DH got me a Singer CE-350 for Christmas in 2009, and that machine was nothing but trouble. It finally got so bad I went to the dealer and said "I either want the machine fixed correctly, or I want my $$ back." That got their attention. We ended up trading it in on a Singer XL-400. I've only had it a couple of months, so I can't comment on how great a machine it will be. So far it seems to be working fine, but given that these machines have plastic gears, who knows how long that will last.
From what I've read and heard from people, Janome and Bernina seem to be really good machines, but they do come with higher pricetags. I was able to use a Janome 7700 during a machine quilting class recently, and it was a very nice machine, performing well. I was tempted to buy it, since they were selling them at discounted prices, but even the discounted price was out of the question, particularly with Christmas coming and 5 grandkids to buy for. Good luck with your search.