Hey Joe, I don't use the slide plate at all. I have "large" hands for a female, but I also find that my hand is rarely in the right position to grab the bobbin through there. I either tilt the machine if it's in a case / cabinet, or burrow under the fabric if it's hanging loose. You're right, on many of the 15 like machines, the bobbin is a bit of a pain. The best are the open arm front mounted 15 cases, as long as you're not using the "deck" over top. I think that's the best of both worlds. FMQ friendly, lots of thread on a bobbin, good access.