Since you mentioned that you want some decorative stitches, I would rule out any of the larger sit down quilting machines, and also my personal favorite for FMQ, the PQ1500s and the similar Janome and Juki which are straight stitch only machine with 9" x 6" working space.
Since you are comfortable with Brother Machines, I would start there. In the price range you are talking about you could probably get a Brother Dreamweaver or the next machine down, the DreamCreator-- they both have lots of decorative stitches (which you'd mentioned) and lots of throat space.-- I think either 11 or 12" to the right of the needle. There are also Babylock versions of these machines (made by Brother). Brother also makes a "professional series" I think they're called NQ something and they are also in your range, but they only have 8" or 8.5" to the right of the needle, still you might want to check them out.
Also in your price range are the larger Janomes which a lot of quilters love: The 8200 Horizon and the 8900, along with the older one, the 7700 Horizon-- also have the features you've mentioned. And they have 12" to the right of the needle. There are also Elna versions of these machines (made by Janome).
I would also check out Bernina 7** series machines they used to be the top of the line Berninas until the new 820/830 etc. came out. The 7**s have 10" to the right of the needle and also decorative stitches. One thing that Bernina does that Brother doesn't do is make a machine where you have the option to add an embroidery unit at a later date if you decide you want to do that. I think the middle of the 7** series does that. I think these would also be in your price range.
I'm not familiar with all the Juki machines out there, so maybe someone else will mention ones that have the features and throat space you are looking for.
Have fun shopping!
Rob
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