I dont have a lot of expierience with many machines but I love my Viking Sapphire. It is an older model so not as expensive anymore. I paid 1100 new and it has come down alot from that price.
It is computerized, has a 1/4 in. setting and you can move the needle for a scant 1/4 in, which you will need to do on occasion.
It has a 10 in. throat which has become a necessity for me.
It also has needle down and that also is a necessity for me.
It has a drop in bobbin which is very easy to change even in the middle of sewing and filling a bobbin is easy too.
My only complaint is the throat is low so changing the foot is a hassle because your hand gets in the way.
I dont have a problem with it pulling the fabric to the side at the end of a seam either.