Oh you will enjoy this! i was able to get a used BL Crown Jewel a couple of years ago. Tension issues are so minimal. Last time I had a problem, i changed the needle and off I went.
I too started with a simple meander and use it often for a quick finish. Then I moved up to making loops in the meander. Soon you can add hearts or stars. One of the things to watch out for is how close you are to the front edge. When my 13 yo GD started at the LA, I lightly drew a line with a Frixon pen to alert her where that edge was. You could also use a piece of painter's tape. I still bump that edge once in a while.
I am able to use pantographs and feel it helps me create muscle memory. I am not very confident about actual FMQ yet, but have played with geometric shapes like wide random zigzags or right angles. Have fun!