Add me to the list of happy Bernina 440 QE owners. I bought it primarily for the stitch regulator, but love the overall performance of my machine. I'd love a few more inches in the bed space, since it is pretty tight when trying to do FMQ, but there is no way that I could afford the Bernina 800 series. My advice to you, Michael, is be thankful that you have such a nice friend and go ahead and enjoy the sewing machine ...... obviously, that was the intent behind her plan. Happy quilting, kiddo!