One more thing.... just because a machine has a big throat, doesn't mean you will use all that space to quilt. Your arms are only so long, and it is much much harder to quilt further away from you. Part of what you will find when you are 'test driving' machines is your comfort zone for quilting. You will not want to be standing on tip toes to reach the farthest areas.
And speaking of tip toes....the hydraulic lift is a BACK SAVER!! By adjusting the height to fit you, and occasionally adjusting up and down just an inch or two as you work, your back will feel much better. LA quilting is very physical work.