I am a fan of the Gammill--mine is top notch to me. Saying that, though, I have had problems with the tension. It has taken me, my son, and a sewing machine repairman who is certified to work on Gammills because there is no one near who can do what he has had to do to mine a long time to work our way through the problems--and I am an experienced sewing machine operator. Mine had to be delivered and installed from a town near Atlanta, GA--too far away for me to even bother with the maintenance issues involved within my four years of "free lessons and maintenance".
So, do what you feel you have to to get yourself a satisfactory quilting machine. Paducah is a good idea, unless you are getting impatient to get yours in your sewing room. And take advantage of the DH being your repairman--at $50 to $60 an hour, repair bills can get to be more than you are willing to face. Best of luck in your search, keep us posted. This is an interesting journey.....