I agree with this. I have a used Hq16 on a used frame with a used PCquilter. Bought it all in 2010. I would love a new frame and a more modern computerized quilting system, but this all works well enough for what I use it for.
If you decide to use your dsm on a frame, make sure the frame can be used on a bigger LA machine as well. That way you can upgrade to a LA with more quilting space and not have to get a new frame for it.
It is a big decision to make. And these days $6000 is not a lot of money to spend on LA quilter and frame. Don't feel guilty about spending the money to do something you love. After all, no one dumps your leftover money in your casket before you're buried, so you might as well get some fun out of that money now.