i have two Janomes (MC11000 and 6600P) and i LOVE both of them. they are both packed with features and performance that cost loads more in other brands. they both perform well.
the only thing i don't like about them is that it'll be 20 years before i can justify buying another machine. and i am such a sewing machine junkie! it will kill me to be sensible. :lol:
i would cry if i had to go back to a machine with a standard throat. (mine both have 9" to the right of the needle.)
the wider machines are a lot more expensive, though. i would never try to talk you into spending more than you think wise. but, if you have the $$$ to spare, then wide is definitely the way to go.