It seems weird that they'd limit it that way. It limits its attractiveness to people. I've been looking at this machine thinking too that it would be a great FM machine.
In a factory wanting consistency & quality control? - nope not weird just prudent and not very versatile. I'm wondering if there is a way to change that setting. The arm is certainly long enough to do quite a bit. Mine takes long shank attachments. I found a real old long shank buttonholer in my junk today. I'm thinking it might go on there - wouldn't that be a hoot?