I am not familiar with the Brother brand.
Nor am I all that familiar with all the competition brands.
However, I did see the Janome brand demonstrated last year and thought it was pretty impressive.
No idea which ones match up regarding features.
However, to me if one was doing a lot of applique these would be something to consider.
Or better still ... what about a store "renting" time to customers?
I bet they would get a lot of sales in the end, for the convenience of having it at home.
Or a group of friends buying it together?
Or a guild?