Karensue, I just wanted to say congratulations on your new machine...(green with envy). I recently had the opportunity to take a FMQ class on a Gammill (a smaller one) and it stitched nicely. Once my new sewing room is finished I will then be faced with choosing a LA machine. Each brand has their pros and cons.
If you know you're going to do ruler work, that's definitely where I'd use my accessory allowance. Where I rent a LA, we use the grippers and it's nice because you're paying by the hour...but if I had a machine at home, I would probably just pin especially since you do not need to take the quilt on and off until it's finished.