Why don't they make a plain quilting machine
 

What I mean is just a plain sewing machine with a longer arm able to accommodate large quilts? I realize that there are machines out there like the HQ16 and regular long arm machines and I know that they have those "stretched" machines. But how much trouble would it be to create a machine with just the extra space that just sewed a plain straight stitch that would cost less than $5,000 and up? I know there are plenty of us that can't afford that much and/or don't have the space to accommodate a long arm set up... Is there something out there like this and I just missed it?

Maybe you are looking for the Baby Lock Quilting professional. I think it has a 9" throat. About 4 years ago I got it for $1000. Just straight stitch.
Walking foot and hopping foot for either kind of quilting plus regular stitching.

http://www.wowquilts.com/

16"machine for $1900

My Juki TL98Q has a bit more space, a 9" throat I believe, and just does a straight stitch, and does it WONDERFULLY! It has been replaced by a newer model now, but very similar. http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/jukitl2010q-asgsm.php

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this machine for both piecing and FMQing!!! And it runs just under $1000.

I've been looking at the Janome1600P QC, it looks pretty good, apparently its quite a workhorse, but heavy. I know what you mean - I do get a bit overwhelmed with all the bells and whistles and I know I probably won't use most of them - and at the end of the day that is what you are paying for!

Brother PQ1500S is a straight stitch machine with a bigger throat. I use it for quilting.

Brother 1500S is a simple straight stitch machine with a 9 inch throat. I love mine!!!

LOL! We must have posted at the same time. Great minds think alike.

thanks for asking this question... I am not sure I can afford even these, but it seems more forseeable than the 10's of thousands of dollars that I have seen.... My mom and I have considered purchasing something together and there is a possibility with the machines at Baily Center. Love that they are made in the USA....

They can stretch your machine, I guess the cut it in half and add to it, like a stretch limo. I don't know what it costs but I have read about it. Also I have a sweet 16, sits on a table and I have done even a king size quilt, costs about $3000