People can be snobs about Berninas. Not the people who own them - the people who don't own them are the snobs about Berninas. I own one but I am afraid to say I own one because people look down their noses at Berninas. I don't know why except that they cost more than other machines. Mine is a high end machine and I love her. I also have two Vikings and a Singer 401 Slant O Matic and love them also but much prefer my Bernina over any of my other sewing machines.
My Bernina has all the bells and whistles and runs like a dream now that I learned which needle to use with which thread.