Agree with everyone else. I longarm, and we have to use a large needle or there will be tension problems. There are a couple of different large sizes of needles we use, so there can be a little variation in the size of the needle holes, but they are always there and will close up after washing. Too bad you quit the first longarmer because of this instead of simply asking her. In my opinion, this is not a factor I would use in choosing a longarmer. No matter, but in the future try to be more open with your longarmer and not be afraid to ask questions. There are differences in machine quilting with a longarm compared to other methods, and there is much to learn if you just ask.
