I agree with the original poster. You are looking at $5000 for a sweet sixteen and weighing it against a larger throat DSM that has more features. I opted for a longarm on a frame because I disliked basting and preferred to move the machine, not the quilt. Don't forget to investigate used machines. I bought a 2003 APQS Millenium through a dealer in 2009 and I am still happy with the machine and the support.