I have a Bernina 1530 that I bought when it was new. I don't need all the bells and whistles the newer machines have and I am still quilting on it for over 20 years. I quilted many queen size quilts with no problem so unless you are going to be doing king size quilt, there is no problem with a smaller throat. You just need good support on your left side and behind the DSM so that the quilt doesn't fall off because the weight will interfere with your quilting. Good Luck with your choice. They just don't making DSM as good as they once did.