Honestly, the older I get, the more I don't give a cr*p what people say. In every class or situation there are going to be people who think a more expensive machine makes them sew better! Just worry about your own skills, learn to love the machine you can afford, and you'll be much happier.
Just one little cute story - I attended a lecture several years ago (given by Nancy Zieman, which is not germane to the story, just figured I would mention it) and a very well-dressed, bejeweled older lady sat beside me. We chatted a little bit and she started talking about her top-of-the-line Janome, and in the midst of the conversation asked me what type of machine I had. I replied, "I have a Singer... I've always sewn on Singers." I kid you not - she turned away and did not say ONE MORE WORD to me the entire evening! It cracked me up.... I think she didn't want my Singer-ness to rub off on her.
