I think the most important thing is having a machine dealer nearby who will give you free classes and also repair your machine when you need it. Most of the sewing machine today have a model for machine quilting and I would choose the dealer who will be there for you. I have a Janome 6500 which does everything you are looking for and I machine quilt on it all the time but the most important feature for me is my dealer also demonstrates new techniques and tunes up my machine and she is only 10 minutes away. I would hate to travel a long distance just to take advantage of the classes and assistance you get when you buy a machine.