In the last two years I've bought a Janome txl607 a HQ Sapphire 839 and latterly Janome 12000. I abandoned the first J as I didn't take to it very well. I loved the HQ but was really after a machine that was clever enough to mask my lack of experience. I love the MC. It's the most amazing machine. I had occasion to use the HQ a few weeks back and though it felt good I was jolly glad to get back to the MC. With hindsight I realise I didn't like the little J because I was still just feeling my way and basically being a bad work woman blaming the tools. Over all that's about £6500 I've spent on machines in a very short period of time. Do I regret it - no - and just like the rest of you I just bought within my budget. And I do like trying out the various things on the MC but still many to go. I think I'm a brand person. My last three cars have all been mini coopers as will be the next one. I'd say any future SM I have in the future would in all probability be another Janome though I expect the one I have to do many many years service first!