Scott-have no knowledge of Pfaff long arms but have a friend that traded in her Gammill for a Bernina solely because of the the fact that she can't do her own maintenance on the Bernina but has to take it in for service. Re: oil on the Gammill--my son, former auto mechanic, says the nice thing about the Gammill oil situation is that you know it's well lubed so not undue wear and tear on parts--think he will be the eventual owner when I get too old and must retire--but don't see that happening soon! (have an 88 yr old friend that still works on her Gammill hand guided.)