I was fortunate the 'O' presser foot came with my upgraded package for my Babylock Ellegante. Loved using it from the start of my fmq learning process. I have both this open toe foot and the plastic closed one you described. When I had the fmq demo before buying the machine, the dealer changed between the two feet. She said the open toed one works better on the bulkier fabrics and when the surfaces may not be even, like corduroys and when batting is used; and the closed plastic foot is best on even, thinner fabrics. Her advice works for me.