From a VERY HAPPY Viking owner..........I would strongly suggest you buy that one if you have test driven it, and you like the way it sews!....I have 2 Vikings (both with embroidery arms) that I use heavily.............Other than the annual checkup, neither of mine have ever been in for repairs......I have no issues sewing with any of the specialty threads...........the issue you refer to (have heard this called "eyelashes") on the back of your FMQ project, is definitely tension related. If you cannot adjust the tension on the Janome to get this gone, do not buy that machine......The thing I like about my Vikings is the support that I get from my local dealer......FREE CLASSES (no time limit), and if I run into an issue on a project, I can either call them or run my project over to the store, and they will help me with it. I do not believe you can go wrong with the Viking machines......GOOD LUCK and CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW PRESENT!!!