So, I'm also very interested in getting a long arm. This has been a great discussion! But I have a couple additional questions.
1) How much of a machine's throat space is actually useable quilting space? I've been looking at one called A-1, and their specs say the throat is 22" with a quilting space is 17". Is it determined by how big your quilt is and how much is rolled on the bar?
2) The same company has a hydraulic lift table, which they brag on a lot. How often would you move the table. The table is just where the pantos go, right? If you're not using panto, do you use the table at all?