Can't answer your question about $ale$ on the ruler feet.
However, once you get your foot, to get going without buying a ruler,
you can use a 1/4" piece of plexi.
It will not have all the fancy grids and such, that the "real" rulers have,
but if you choose the right things to quilt, it will help you to get used to working with the ruler,
and give you a sense as to which sizes/shapes you will want ... or not want.
It's only a temporary solution, but it will help you spread out the cost.