I'd go for the 301 as well but I'd certainly try to negotiate. Then again, I'm really cheap when it comes to machines! No case would not be a deal breaker for me but it certainly would be a strong negotiating point. There was a complete 301 set up on my local CL a couple of weeks ago...machine; case; attachments; AND table for $150. I just didn't have the room or I would have jumped on that deal.
You can do a search but I think a 301 is about 14 lbs vs the 12 of the FW. And if you don't anticipate doing anything beyond straight stitching at a class, that would be my choice and you seem to be actively collecting lots of vintage machines so would think that might be your preference. But if you anticipate branching out to to some machine applique at some point, I'd go with a modern machine at a reasonable price. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.