I have used the Bernina stitch regulator and the tru-stitch regulator on the Handiquilter sweet 16. I did not like either of them- I thought both were jerky and didn't allow me to get a nice rhythm, I also felt rounded patterns didn't look as round as I would like them to.
The BSR frequently beeped at me that I was going too fast for it (and I don't think I quilt fast, I'm rarely at my top setting).
So for me, I would say totally not worth the money. What got me good at quilting was practice.
As for budget, $1000 WITH a stitch regulator is going to be tough.