I've used the 301 for piecing and free motion quilting - I love it. I have a 401 but it's out in the shop and just used for repairs etc - out there with the longarm...
The 301 runs faster which I like and I love the dropping feed dogs..
right now I'm piecing on a 319 (got the needles from allbrands.com) - I got lots of needles 'cause I figure the machine is no good without them and who knows how long they will continue to be available (the 206, 306 and 319 take the special needles).. I'm using the 319 because it has the other stitiches and I want them for applique...
and just because