I'm going to put my 2 cents in. Have not heard the rumor, however, the quality has definitely changed. I've had multiple Vikings over the years and still use my Designer 2 (This is my 2nd on which I bought used for $300). Love the machine, however, I realize that sooner than later it will be harder to get parts. I remember a few years back it took 9 months to just get a part for another machine. Being that I sew professionally this is unacceptable. Because I know that sooner than later I will not be able to repair the Designer 2 I switched brands and bought a Janome 9400. I also have a basic Singer S16 that I use for my commercial jobs.