Annaquilts

Their fancy machines most likely can't handle Coats and Clark. I use Coats and Clark in my vintage machines but Aurafil in my Janome.
Just ignore them, go on with life, find nice people and be happy.

As for take along machines I like the Janome Jem, this one can handle coats and clark, as it can do all the basic stuff. If all I am doing is piecing I'll take a Feather weight or vintage Bernina 830.

I think the Singer 401 would be heavy to take to class so i would take the touch and sew in your case. The bonus is that is your main machine to start with.