I have the same questions. If they can put a man on the moon and make driverless cars, why can't they extend the harp on a domestic machine for a reasonable price and why can't they allow bottom thread to come off a spool? I suspect it all comes down to money. They can get higher prices for a longer harp, so why would they be sold cheaper? And if the bottom thread comes off a spool, they can't sell all the bobbins and replacement bobbin cases etc for additional cost. Color me cynical.