You've got intelligent, thoughtful questions here. I agree with you that email is superior to a phone conversation for doing business in the sense that anything can be promised while talking and denied later. I lose my voice a few times per year and have a month or more at a time in which talking is painful and difficult. I'd be wary of someone that refuses to communicate by email. I've heard good things about SewingMachinesPlus and SewVacDirect, but haven't bought from them myself. I do know to avoid SewingMachineOutlet in LA. I ordered something which they didn't have, but they charged me anyway, more than the checkout price by $30+. Then Sammie called to offer me a substitute, which would also cost more. I found a thread on PatternReview about others' similar experiences with shady dealings with him. I've heard nothing but good things about the Juki 98 &2010. Good luck!