FW demand high prices because quilters demand them and they will pay the high prices. They not only want one they want two or three of them. I think it is nothing more than a fad and they are cute. I have one and don't like it is like sewing with a toy. I will stay with the 99 and the big honking treadles and my German HC. I am quilter and prefer a machine that is able to handle anything I bring to it. If I said this on the quilters side of the board I would thrashed. LOL I am sure they are good machines but they are not for me.