I've had a Sweet 16 for a year now and couldn't be happier with it. I bought a demo machine from the dealer and saved quite a bit, but didn't get the True-Stitch. I was too expensive and when I tried it at a quilt show I found it a real nuisance to have to worry about where it was all the time so it doesn't fall off the table. The HQ rep doing the demonstrating said he didn't think it was necessary - practice gets you the same result. Maybe it would help, but it was a stretch for me to buy the machine without it. Good luck with whatever you get. I agree having a dealer nearby for service is an important factor.