I've heard several negative things about the grand quilter too. I haven't heard anything negative about the P3 though. My dealer did say the difference between the two is significant, with the P3 being so much more user friendly.
I've been trying to find info on the frame with the additional take up bar (also called a dead bar) but so far I'm just making myself more confused!
I have a BL dealer nearby (HQ's "generic"). He's nice but he wouldn't offer the thorough training the Pfaff dealer offers. Neither would the Juki dealer. I wish I was the type of person that could watch youtube videos and learn that way, but unless it's really basic and simple I don't think it will be adequate for me.