You sew too much
Joe,
I have to agree with you. My main machine (the "go-to") is my Singer 328K. It's a little more than 50 years old. I've had it since it was new. It is not a complicated machine, and I've had the tensions, bobbin assembly all apart and put back together. It's never had a serious problem (It's all metal, with removable cams). This machine has been used for clothing, drapes, curtains of all kinds, upholstery fabric (I completely recovered a small sofa, making new covers for all the pillows, etc.), and I've made a few quilts on it. Fortunately, my son is around, so if I get in "over my head" trying to repair, he can bail me out! LOL! I love by 328K! The fact is I couldn't afford to pay that kind of money for a sewing machine myself, but I won't criticize someone who can--after all, they're the ones paying for it!
Jeanette