Not sure why the Q'nique was panned. I just got one with Quilt Motion, and, so far, it works fine. However, I don't quilt for $, just for my own enjoyment.
The Q'nique replaced my HQ16 with PC Quilter, but only because the PC Quilter software would not allow me to change the size of the print in its screens - my eyes aren't as wonderful as they used to be.
The HQ16 is a work horse; any problems I had were attributed to 'operator error'. I bought the HQ16 used in 2010, and my husband serviced it for me about every 18 months. All it ever needed was cleaning in the needle/bobbin area. The rest was always clean. I would have purchased a stitch regulator for it and a different computerized software, but the cost of doing that was almost as much as buying the Q'nique.
If all HQ quilting machines are as good as the HQ16 was for me, I can recommend that you take a look at a HQ machine.
One piece of advice - since you are tall, make sure the frame can be adjusted high enough for you. Bending over a
low-for-you frame is no fun.