If someone has to question why someone spends thousands of $ on a machine, it sounds like they are not needing the features of a TOL machine. I'd suggest visiting a local dealer to test drive some of these machines to see what you are not understanding or know about. Some people only need a straight stitch machine while others are needing a variety of stitches and flexibility with their sewing for projects. If you can get by with a $10 vintage machine that's great, but there are many people who don't want their creativity inhibited by the limits of their machines. I have $10 machines and I have TOL machines. Both have their places and uses in my sewing hobby.