Okay, took my machine and all up to the store today. The owner did the update (software and hardware) to my BSR. I also bought some quilting needles (Bernina brand ones, that's all they sell there). The BSR update seems to have solved 99% of the problem. I am no longer getting 4 and 5 skipped stitches in a row for no reason. What I'm getting now is a very occasional single skipped stitch (needle is going down but not forming a stitch). This I think is due to the weight of the quilt on the machine. Apparently this machine is just waaaaay more sensitive than my Walmart Brother machine was. So I'm working really hard to keep the quilt fluffed up around the machine and reduce any and all pull it might put on the machine. Next I'm going to order some different thread (Superior Threads) and also try some different needles. Anyone have a suggestion as to what needle brand to try?