Gosh, this is really so true. For every 15 people who love a certain machine I'll bet there are 15 who don't and don't report it here. I'm for the test driving all of them.

Thank you for your comments. I have a Pfaff now and have had it for about 8 years or so. I am familiar with the IDT but the throat space is very small on the machine I have now. I am going for the larger area since I am learning to machine quilt. I do not do machine applique but rather needle turn or on occasion I use fusible and hand stitch around the edges with a blanket stitch. I looked at the next step up machine to the Exp. 3.5 but will never use all the extra stitches in the machine. Gosh, I don't use the fancy stitches on the one I have now! LOL

I don't have this particular machine, but I have an older Pfaff and love it. I love the dual feed. It has been a great machine, however, my machine is the last model made in Germany. That said, buying a machine is very personal. For anything more than a basic machine, you need to go "test drive." And obviously, price can be a big consideration.

I have a 4.2 that I bought at a show after taking a class that used this machine. I love it!!!!

I have a Performance 5.0 and love it. I totally agree with never using all the stitches, but each model has other option differences other than the stitches. I would focus on the other differences and consider your needs and cost. To me the huge number of stitches are a bonus, but not the focus of why I choose a specific model.