Well I don't know where you were told the price of the walking foot, I found it on sewing parts online for $40. It is currently out of stock, listed guaranteed for for your machine. You can screenshot the image and search the image to find it online. I certainly would not buy it at the price you listed in your post, because online is much more affordable. I googled your machine too, nice machine, like some of the features.

I think a walking foot is essential for quilting anything, from mug rugs to large quilts to bindings. I even use it to work with slippery fabrics like linen. Look for a generic one at the height shank you have (high? low?).