Yes, it's worth the $15. I have the 319 which is basically the same machine with different stitch abilities. I don't agree that the bobbin is loaded "funky" so I don't know what that means. Nor is my machine super noisy. It's louder than some of my machines and not as loud as others. I do think the machine is on the slow side, however. It's only like .5 amp and it does do the embroidery stitches slooow compared to my other vintage machines. It's the turtle in the race. I think those who have a noisy machine don't have the bobbin assembly finger adjusted right and/or there are other adjustments needed. It's a neat machine to have. I have to admit I don't use mine much because it doesn't FMQ well, so it's a bit limited in that regard.