The machines I use and have set up:
Singer Quantum
Singer Featherweight
Singer 301
Singer 15 in cabinet
Janome Gem Gold (2)
Brother 1500 straight stitch
I have not had one bit of trouble out of any of them. The machines that caused me one day of hassle, I got rid of.
All of these were gifts except the Singer Quantum and one of the Gems. The Singer 15 is the best paper piecing machine. I use it just for paper piecing. Stitches go as short as 30 per inch. The paper literally fall off at that short length. One of the Gems stays in my car for guild/workshops/classes. My DGD and DD uses the other Gem when they are here. The Quantum has the decorative stitches. My FW is for cuteness and the 301 is for heavy duty sewing and no hassle what thread I use piecing. The Brother 1500 is for piecing and FMQ. I gave many yard sale/thrift store find machines to the local 4H and Girl Scouts. They need machines that if they mess them up it's not at the expense of someone's tears.