I just bought a Babylock Crescendo in May this year. Love it!!!!
Needle threader is awesome. The machine has a boatload of push buttons and thread cutters. You can basically run it one handed. Actually, it just runs itself. All you have to do is insert the fabric.
It has a knee lift and you can get an optional foot controller which is programmable (I think) for another 3 options.
The foot controller would accomplish some of the tasks for which you might need your hands. Something worth looking into.
I haven't regretted my purchase for an instant. There isn't anything that the machine doesn't do. Just about everything is automated. An absolutely fabulous machine.