Well, I finally got to try the Juki 2200 QVP Virtuoso long arm machine this week. Now I "get it"! This is the only long arm I've ever tried ... and only used it for abut 5 mins. This machine has a stitch regulator with a cruise setting or a manual setting. I tried some free motion and OMG it was a breeze. I found this machine to be much easier to move on the cruise setting ... it just seemed to "glide". The manual setting I would say was sort of like driving without power steering on a car.
Obviously, I need to "test drive" the Juki more as well try other long arms. But I better understand why all of you w/long arm machines love them. Thanks for all your input.