I'd say be flexible, and get a good machine. I think you have done the second so that is great.
I sew a lot - and have done a wide variety of sewing types (from tent repair to custom lingerie) and now mostly quilting. After reading through what people have wrote, I disagree with about half of it.
And that is why I say be flexible, if you are trying a method and struggling - go find another method that works better for you.