Everyone has their favorites as you can see. My suggestions is to shop around, and find the machine you like and the dealer you like. Remember that dealer is the one you will have to talk to about anything that might go wrong, or to help you understand your machine.
Also while shopping, ask the sales person if they have any open box machines for sale or demo machines. You can save ALOT of money by getting one of these and they come with the same warranties as a new machine. You get more for your money this way.
As for my fav., I love Babylocks. I just sold my Quest and will be picking up my Serenade this week. I got the Quest as a demo machine. The Serenade I got as an open box, and saved bunches on it.
Which ever you chose make sure its a good fit for you. Enjoy your search. Make a list of the important things you want your machine to have on it. Take that list, and some sample fabric (the type you will be sewing on ) and have fun shopping. This is also where you will find out if you like the dealer. If they are friendly and take a lot of time with you, and have a good knowledge of the machines your asking about, this is a good thing. Most of all take your time and have fun!!