Mike,
You really need to try all the machines. Go to a quilt show somewhere. I have an Innova 18" and it is top of the line for stitching and using ANY thread. The company is here in Houston and the service is 24/7 and it is just that. Been in the industrial quilting business for 70 years so is a top quality machine. Moves with just one finger and the frame is an industrial one. Give it a try. I bought a smaller one for my first one and never got the results I wanted, so it does not always work that you can upgrade and come out ahead. I gave mine to the Church. Good luck.
Peg-TX
Innova 18"