I have an Avante' and really love it. But, I bought it just before the Amara came out, and wish I had waited for a few more months. The Amara has some really great features that your HQ 16 doesn't. Like the digital tension display, and how the front bars can drop so you have more space for ruler work. They have lots of different presser feet that are easily changed. If you'll watch the "specials" that HQ puts out every month, you can sometimes get some really great freebies. Right now, through June 17, you can get a HQ Highlight, Secret Drawer or Electromagnetic Channel Locks. I am really wishing I could get a Secret Drawer. You can fit 3 drawers onto a 12 foot frame.
There's a lot to learn with the Pro-stitcher. We have an employee who's been to all the HQ training, and who provides free Pro-stitcher training to customer's who have purchased it. So you may want to see if there's someone in your area who provides that service.