I have a Bernina 550QE, with BSR, and a Pfaaf Quilt Expression 4.0. The Pfaaf has a bigger throat, 9mm stitch capability and IDT for even feeding. It has no presser foot lever....but I love to sew on it and it is heavy enough to handle the biggest projects without difficulty. My Bernina does have a presser foot lever, smaller throat, separate bobbin winding motor (love it!!). I switch back and forth between them, depending on the project, and it takes a few minutes to recall the presser foot action and then it becomes automatic. I also have an older Singer Futura, basic one, for embroidery and an old and basic Janome serger. I don't embroider or use the serger a lot so basic machines are perfect. No doubt though, there are times when a serger is the best thing since sliced bread! A test drive of the two machines should help you decide since even the finest machine isn't a perfiect fit for everyone.