I have the Voyager 17 and Hinterberg frame. Had it not been for the fact that I won the frame and bought the Voyager with my prize money, I wouldn't have one due to the cost. I don't do it professionally, and love the freedom the LA gives me to quilt more difficult patterns. I stunk at it on my DSM. It takes a lot of practice, but is so totally worth it! As far as "quilting easier, faster and perhaps quilting better", it depends on the pattern chosen, of course, but it is most definitely easier. Most definitely. My machine is a midarm, and perfect for what I do. I, too, make mostly lap quilts and have a 9-foot setup, which is perfect for lap quilts. I can easily put the quilt on the the frame horizontally or vertically with room to spare on both sides when it's the quilt is horizontal, and can also do a queen-sized quilt. So you don't need a huge 12' frame if you're concentrating on lap quilts.