I have several 'Brothers' from Walmart. My first one lasted 8 years, then fell out of the back of the car during a trip. It looked ok on the outside, but apparently had internal injuries. The other Brother machines I own have several years use on them and work fine. I am not a gentle sewer, either. I'm kind of sort of offended by what you said about them simply because they are from Walmart. Don't worry, I'm over it already.
I rarely take my sewing machines out of the house. I found that it was a waste of time for me to take them to guild meetings. I spent so much time talking and working the organization of sit and sews that I did not sew.
No matter what brand sewing machine you buy, keep in mind that if it is 'computerized' and the computer inside the machine fails, your machine will not work unless you replace the 'computer' in it. The manufacturers will not support the model/computer card forever.
Happy hunting!