The absolute only downside to the machine for me is it is straight stitch only. I like to applique and have to drag out my other machine to do it. If you plan to keep it on a frame and only quilt with it, I don't see that being a problem.
The machine is pretty heavy. I don't think I'd want to drag it to classes very much, but I don't do that so it's not a problem.
I love the needle down. I'd never had that before and now I think it is an essential thing.
I have never used a frame but you can really cram a lot of quilt through the throat space. My FMQ is not very good, but that is not a machine problem. I've seen people who are good at it do wonderful stuff with the same machine. I'm just not all that artistic. Meandering is about as good as I get at this point.
I can't think of another machine in the price range that I would trade mine for.