I agree with Peckish... Everyone has their own feelings on the machine.. I for one Love it.. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOOOOOOVE it... I actually have two... Long story... Ive had mine for years when they first came out... I think the dies can get pricey but i personally don't think they are that bad... Every holiday and for my birthdays i'd get a couple of dies so after years and years I have a nice collection.. I personally like the Geo shapes, Tumbler, Large Hexi, specialty block ones (DWR/Hunters star/etc- ones id hate to cut out !!!! ) and the rags: star heart sqs...But with that said i have most all of the old ones and discontinued ones as well..I do have a few applique, mostly the baby ones but not the recent ones, i found i wont use those new ones.. I use my GO mostly for cutting up scraps into usable pieces.. ( i am a scrappy quilter) I have the strips dies but i find i can rotary cut them faster than i can fabric fold them on the die so those sit and collect dust..
My most used dies are:
2x2
2.5x2.5
Brick
Large tumbler
large rag
I do recommend buying cutting mats when on sale, im probably odd man out but these in my eyes are disposable.. I can kill a mat in a month so i have back-up mats for the back up mats... I usually have 3-4 of each size mats on hand at all times.. Another great gift idea to hint for on holidays BTW...
As for the waste, i have slivers... Learn to outline the dies and fabric placement and you'll only have pet betting slivers left.. Its all in how you place your fabric..
With all that being said- this is not for everyone but it works great for me..