I liked the idea about sewing a few more quilts to determine what is important to you in a sewing machine. I absolutely love the needle down position with my Juki. My Pfaff would sometimes do needle down, sometimes not. However, on the Pfaff, I LOVE being able to use the stop/start button for FMQ and being able to tap the foot pedal to make it stop. On my Babylock you have to unplug the foot pedal to use the stop/start button. I would suggest looking at how easy it is to clean the machine. For example, if you want to get in there after making fleece quilts or something, how hard is it to get the bobbin case out. How much trouble is it to take the needle plate cover off (or whatever it's called). Research can be a lot of fun, but try to find someone knowledgeable to work with you, someone that's not just trying to upsell you. Good luck!