You don't need to drop the feed dogs on some machines to FMQ. I have an ugly 15 clone that I call Orphan Annie, well she free motions very well with her dogs up or down, it doesn't matter to her. And I leave the regular straight stitch foot on her because she doen't like any other foot I've tried. I just set the stitch length to zero and away we go. I would lessen the presser foot pressure but no need on Annie since her spring is worn out and she doesn't hold any real pressure for regular sewing, all she wants to do is quilt.
Cari