I think I am missing something. If you use the start/stop button, don't your hands (or a finger) need to leave your work while you reach for it? Especially when I am FMQ, I like both hands on my work when the machine starts, so I use the pedal. When I applique I need both hands on my work and sometimes go one stitch at a time, so I use the pedal. I am very interested in the advantages of the start/stop button because lots of you use it, and I don't want to miss out.