Thanks for your feed back, I'm glad someone has been thinking simiarly. I have to admit I jump into things, and make an effort to get working. It's when I read manuals, see photos and demostrations in old books I have become more openminded with the old machines.
For the 201 I know of people who have dedicated it their free motion embroidery, no hoops just the right jumping foot. In another case I now of a lady who have dedicated a 201 to free motion quilting and nothing else for the last few years. I struggle a bit with tension on mine, but at times I have had perfect stitching with bargain priced mercerized cotton. It does feel like ground braking work some times, but then I discover others have done the same and made it work. I collect clever tricks and keep them in a box :- )