I just recently picked up the Brother PQ1500SL. I spent time on message boards for both Brother and Juki. While owners of each machine seem to love their machines, I felt like I read about more tension issues on the Juki board. I have a couple of vintage machines, so the tension/threading set up was familiar. It really isn't hard, and the threading is very easy after threading a couple of times.
I picked mine up for $650 new about 6 weeks ago at a local shop, which was 75 to 100 less than I saw it posted elsewhere. I just checked and the price has gone up 75 at this shop. My primary reason for getting this machine was to have as a back up for FMQing. I do have another machine that has 11 inches to the right of the needle, but I have to say that since bringing the Brother home, it is my favorite. The throat space is very roomy, I read again and again where people have quilted king sized quilts,even oversized kings, easily. This machine is so very easy to use. Turn on and go. Beautiful stitches. So easy to get a scant 1/4" seam. Love FMQing on it. I just picked up a ruler foot and my first quilting ruler, very easy to use with the machine, and the ruler can be used anywhere around the ruler foot. I found using the ruler fairly easy, so am looking forward to spending time expanding those skills. These machines are built to last, I feel like you can't go wrong with a machine such as this.
I picked up my other machine, an Elna eXcellence 740, on eBay about 5 years ago at a very good price. I feel like I lucked out with the machine honestly. I bought her used from a sewing center. Marketplace on Facebook seems to have a lot of machines for sale. It would be better to be able to try out the machine locally if at all possible, especially since this is only the 2nd machine you are buying. What would be good is to go into any local sewing machine shops you have locally, just to try out different machines. A Pfaff feels different from a Janome, which is quite different from a Bernina. Just to get an idea of what you like/don't like. If there is a machine you really like, perhaps you can find the same model for sale used in your area.
Babylock Jazz II has a large throat area for under $1000. I thought about that machine, but I read to many reviews of people having issues with that machine, so I decided it was not for me.
Have fun looking! Having a machine up to the task at hand definitely increases the enjoyment factor. It doesn't have to be the most expensive machine with the most features. I have rarely used any of the decorative stitches available to me on my other machines. I just love my new Brother, can't say enough good thinks about it!