I think many of us struggle with the dilemma you're facing. I know I did. I love my Bernina's but they refuse to put out a model with a significant harp size except at the very top of the line and I refuse to pay the price of their TOL machines (not a question of money but of value to me). So I was forced to buy from another manufacturer to get that feature. I would buy a middle of the line Bernina like my 440 again if they issued it with a 10" or 11" harp.
Good luck with your decision - it's a tough one.