I have the Sizzix Big Shot(not the pro - and have had it for years, and was delighted when they came out with their dies.,and added quilting to their group. I purchased almost every one of the quilting dies,using my 40 % off at Hobby Lobby. They have discontinued many of the dies that I'm glad I have.
I cut 120 5.5 " squares in about 5 minutes. I also do some scrap booking ,too. so I get double duty with mine.The clear plates will cut many times, I've had mine about 14 years and have only had to replace once and I use it a lot.Yes, it does leave the markings, but doesn't effect the cutting.