The HQ is designed for free motion only. There are no feed dogs. You can also thread paint with it. I think you would be very happy with the HQ. 44,000 stitches is practically new. I purchased mine new for a little under 5,000 without the stitch regulator. I do not miss having a stitch regulator.
Cheers, K
ETA - just saw your stitch count update. 440K is still not that many stitches, compared to the potential life of the machine.