I always have the needle stop in the down position when quilting. The handle bar controls have the needle up/down so I can quickly lift the needle when I stop.

I prefer the cruise, set at 8. When I want a sharp corner or point, this helps tremendously. It's like an auto tie-off, too.

Yes! you want a dead bar! Or you have to adjust the bar that the quilt is rolled-up on, every time you roll the quilt.

I have a sitdown midarm and the needle is set to always be down. I've never changed it since the first day. There's a separate button I can press when I want the needle raised, but it still defaults down.

Which brand are you leaning towards? I've been researching longarms of late and definitely have my eye on APQS

Mine is an older Gammill, so no cruise speed--manual and regulated only. I like being able to adjust speed on these and also the needle up/down right at my finger tips.

One thing I wish I had is the offset handle bars that Gammill now puts on the back of the machine so pantos are not so neck breaking!