From a guys perspective that uses vintage machines daily. The FW is more ornamental personally because of it's small size & looks. It does provide a great stitch but find the machines a bit too fussy at times compared to other Singers (must be the high tolerance around he bobbin area i think). Funny though, the machine i use the least is the one i have spent the most on overhauling
I did just use the machine yesterday for taking up Heavy Weight curtains, no problems to report at all.