Generally only the high end machines have the most desirable features. I LOVE the built in walking foot and use it a LOT. I love the thread cutter. It saves so much thread and time and you don't get hairy thread covered projects and clothing. I actually use my embroidery stitches, so the more the merrier. I have an older Pfaff and a newer Babylock sewing and embroidery machine and I don't realize how much I appreciate some of these features till I take a smaller machine to class with none of these features and I'm glad to get home to my good ones! However, you can save a lot by buying a used machine so you don't have to take a second mortgage on your house to pay for it.