Dawn, thanks for the updates!
I was looking at this machine for a back-up/starter machine for myself and my daughter. I have a nice little Bernina that does just about everything I ask it to. I was interested in this one for some of the decorative stitches and the fact that it seemed much lighter when I was messing about with it at the store last night.
I may drag one home and mess with it to see if I can live with the missing thread cutter and wonky threading system enough to make it useful. I also need to see if the bobbins are the same size. If not, I may pass. I really don't want two sets of bobbins to keep track of.
Our school secretary said she bought one very much like it 5 years ago from Costco and has been very happy with hers.
Thank you all again for your reviews! I'll try to remember to come back in and post the bobbin sizes.