I got my machine with a start/stop button and used it exclusively for several years. I had no issues. though, the greatest annoyance was for triangles and other angles to control the fabric from being eaten. I kept the speed on slow/medium most of the time. However, I use the foot pedal now. I don't remember why I switched back, but I did. I think it was actually because the noise of the beep each time I started or stopped annoyed my husband. lol
it is nice for the long stretches of stitching (ie, 2 jelly roll strips). and when I hit the start, it took a few stitches real slow at first so I felt like i had time to adjust and get things in place.