I agree with this, older machines were meant to be workhorses. My husband surprised me a few years back with a top of the line embroidery/sewing machine that I personally never would have bought. But he's a "I told you when I married you I loved you, if something should change I'll let you know" type of guy. For our 20th wedding anniversary/Christmas present he popped this big honking set of boxes in my sewing room. I've had it for 4 years, it's all plastic pieces and already has some pieces broken. And I'm very careful when I use it. I would have rather gotten an classic machine. But hey, he loves me. He went to the fabric store and actually spoke to the dealer and bought a $7000 machine. "what?" I guess it's 20 years worth of Christmas/anniversary/birthday presents. His idea of celebrating is a hug and Happy .....what ever holiday.