WoW I am learning more than I ever thought I could on this subject. Many people, many wants and/or needs. I bought my 403 special slant-o-matic singer in 1959. It is not a portable so went looking and bought a 3160 Janome. I really did not need that fancy of a machine either. I am in my second year of quilting and just do not need anything fancier. I agree on one point just follow the money. A business has many problems to stay in business. why do you think most machines are made outside of the USA? The government puts too many regulations and restrictions on companies. We need to get back to be a manufacturing country. But we all want more money and benefits.