I too would be pitching a fit that the mother board goes after only 8 years. My Bernina wasn't the top of the line when I bought it, it was the mid-grade (Virtuoso 153 QE). I think I bought it in 2001 but can't recall for sure. She is still running strong (knock wood). I do love it, even though it doesn't have the dual feed. Bernina could make a pretty penny if they went old school and started manufacturing all metal, mechanical machines without all the fancy electronics. I think their eyes would pop at the volume of sales they would have. I am sorry to hear about your friends machine. Hope her new one gives her many decades of reliable use.