My perspective
Absolutly beautiful! I have been just practicing FMQ myself for a quilt I'm working on. So we are at about the same place. Try FMQ and see how you do with a meander. I had a real hard time and thought I'll never get this. (I have a Bernina 440QE with BSR.). I haven't gotten good enough for this quilt. I asked questions on QB and most replies were "practice, practice, practice" and "It's worth it!". From what I've done I'd recommend no to the pounce and stencil. I'm hoping you catch right on to it. Good luck!