I bought my wife one for because she'd been telling me about them for as long as we've been married. Didn't pay as much as I've seen many go for, but I did pay more than I thought it was worth as a machine. OK, I've used it some but wifie hasn't used it hardly at all. It just sits in it's case languishing in despair and loneliness.
As good as the machine is quality wise, it doesn't impress me. It's too small, too light, and doesn't have the ability to do much more than piece fabric together. Maybe that's enough, but I want my machines to do more, or at least be able to.
If I am understanding what all of you are saying it's mostly the older ladies that are into cliques and quilting and go to the get-to-gethers that are keeping the prices inflated.
OK, question answered.
Joe