I have no interest in a long-arm and don't have room for one. I paid $1000 for my Pfaff in 1998. Have never regretted that decision. I like the extra features, special stitches, and the quality of the machine. Before that I sewed on a $200 Kenmore and hated it. I also have a Viking Mega Quilter that I love and a Viking Quilt Designer that I sort of love (except for it having a problem right now).
My mother said she paid $300 for her Singer in 1955. In today's dollars that is equivalent to about $2,100.
Right now I don't have the funds to buy an expensive machine but I don't regret the ones I bought when I did have the money.
We all have different priorities.