Much good advice has been given so far, my advice may not be up to the previous level. Here's what I'd add, have your wife address her concerns with her quilting buddy. Your wife may be surprised at the machine her friend started quilting with. She, like many here, probably started with a basic Kenmore from Sears, or a Singer she got from her mother.
One other thing, have your wife look at the section on this board called "For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts." There's a thread that's pinned to the top called "Quilts Made Using Vintage Machines." There's wonderful quilts there made with pre-1970 machines. In fact, many people on this board seach Craigslist and yard sales trying to find good condtion vintage machines to use.
Tate