I have an 880 that I upgraded to an 880 Plus and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've quilted generous queen sized quilts on it without a problem. The only problems I've had were those originating from user error. I've also used the embroidery module to do quilting, although I bought a Snap Hoop Monster to do it. It plays nicely with any thread that's in my stash. It sews through the thinnest cotton and I put patches on my daughter's leather backpack.
Last June I purchased a Janome Continental M7, and I wouldn't trade it either. It's a lovely mix of raw heavy duty machine with a computerized machine. But now I can have the Bernina set up for quilting/embroidery, and still piece on the Janome.
Good luck on your search...I'm hoping you can find a good low stitch count machine that will last you as you grow.