Melanie, I've bought 3 "new" [2 were used] sewing machines since I started sewing in October of last year. I think my "new" Janome MC1000 will just have to stay awesome enough for now
I didn't realize that the auto thead cutter pulls the top thread to the back! That's great to keep in my mind. I just push a button and things happen, I don't have enough experience with non computerized machines to know exactly what is going on and why. I think my questions are the local sewing machine dealers favorite, because they are just ridiculous sometimes.
Thanks so much to everyone for the detailed advice. Soccertxi your pics were fabulous! It's great to know that even some show quilters hate burying threads as much as I do.